Chess Puzzle #3SI1K — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen c7; rook f1; pawns a2/b2/c2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d4; rook d8; knight f6; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ng4 — knight f6→g4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxf7+ — queen c7→f7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Qf8+ — queen f7→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook d8→f8, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p1Q2ppp/5n2/8/3q4/8/PPP3PP/5R1K b - - 2 27

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