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

Position

White: king e1; queen f5; bishop d2; knights d1/e5; pawns d5/e4/f2/h3. Black: king d8; queen a1; rook h8; bishop f6; pawns c5/d6/e7/f7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxe5 — queen a1→e5, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ba5+ — bishop d2→a5, gives check. Opponent replies Ke8 (king d8→e8).
3. Best move: Qc8# — queen f5→c8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3k3r/4pp2/3p1b2/2pPNQ2/4P3/7P/3B1P2/q2NK3 b - - 0 30

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