Chess Puzzle #31gDi — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h1; queen g8; rook g5; pawns a2/h2. Black: king c5; queen b2; rook f2; pawns a7/b7/c6/h3. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb6 — king c5→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen g8→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ka6 (king b6→a6).
3. Best move: Ra5# — rook g5→a5, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Ra5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6Q1/pp6/2p5/2k3R1/8/7p/Pq3r1P/7K b - - 3 45

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.