Chess Puzzle #2X1up — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rooks e1/e6; pawns a2/g2/h3. Black: king h5; queen c3; rook g3; pawns a7/b7/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd3 — rook g3→d3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: g4+ — pawn g2→g4, gives check. Opponent replies Kh4 (king h5→h4).
3. Best move: Rxh6# — rook e6→h6, captures pawn, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxh6# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/pp6/4R2p/6pk/8/2q3rP/P5PK/4R3 b - - 4 45

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