Chess Puzzle #2ef7I — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c7; rook f1; pawns a2/b2/d4/d5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen e2; rook e8; bishop d7; pawns a7/b7/d6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bb5 — bishop d7→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxf7+ — queen c7→f7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Qf8+ — queen f7→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook e8→f8, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/ppQb1ppp/3p4/3P4/3P4/8/PP2q1PP/5RK1 b - - 3 21

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