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

Position

White: king h2; queen g3; rook g1; pawns a3/f2/h4. Black: king g8; queen b2; rook e8; pawns a7/b6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re2 — rook e8→e2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qb8+ — queen g3→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e2→e8).
3. Best move: Qxe8# — queen b8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p4ppp/1p6/8/7P/P5Q1/1q3P1K/6R1 b - - 0 30

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