Chess Puzzle #3GJHh — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d7; queen a8; bishop b8; pawns b2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook c1; pawns b4/d2/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d1=Q+ — pawn d2→d1, promotes to queen, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bd6+ — bishop b8→d6, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c1→c8).
3. Best move: Qxc8# — queen a8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, discovered attack, discovered check, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: QB4k1/3K1ppp/4p3/8/1p6/6P1/1P1p3P/2r5 b - - 5 39

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