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

Position

White: king h2; queen d6; rook h8; pawns a2/b2/f4/f6/g2/h3. Black: king h7; queen c1; rook c7; pawns a7/b6/f7/g6/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kxh8 — king h7→h8, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qf8+ — queen d6→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
3. Best move: Qg7# — queen f8→g7, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qg7# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7R/p1r2p1k/1p1Q1Ppp/8/5P2/7P/PP4PK/2q5 b - - 6 30

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