Chess Puzzle #2UE2v — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; queen f5; rook f3; pawns a2/c4/d4/f2/g4/h3. Black: king h8; queen c6; rooks e7/e8; pawns a6/b7/g5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc7 — queen c6→c7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qf8+ — queen f5→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook e8→f8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f3→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/1p2r1pp/p1q5/5Qp1/2PP2P1/5R1P/P4PK1/8 b - - 2 37

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