Chess Puzzle #3RZ9K — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c3; rook e1; pawns a2/c4/d5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen e2; rook b7; pawns a5/b6/d6/f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxa2 — queen e2→a2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e1→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Qd3+ — queen c3→d3, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move is Re8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1r3pp1/1p1p3p/p2P4/2P5/2Q4P/P3qPP1/4R1K1 b - - 5 29

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