Chess Puzzle #2lO5A — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rook d6; bishop d4; knight f5; pawns a3/b3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h7; queens c1/e8; pawns a5/b4/f7/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qee1 — queen e8→e1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxh6+ — rook d6→h6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king h7→g8).
3. Best move: Rh8# — rook h6→h8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rh8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4q3/5p1k/3R3p/p4Np1/1p1B4/PP5P/5PPK/2q5 b - - 1 44

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