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

Position

White: king g1; queen f7; rook e1; pawns a4/b3/g2/h3. Black: king h8; rook f8; bishop d3; pawns a6/b6/c5/d5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e1→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook e8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/5Qpp/pp6/2pp4/P7/1P1b3P/6P1/4R1K1 b - - 5 34

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