Chess Puzzle #4289N — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d7; rook d1; pawns a2/b3/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c7; rook a8; pawns a7/b7/e5/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc2 — queen c7→c2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook a8→d8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/ppqQ1ppp/8/4p3/8/1P2P3/P4PPP/3R2K1 b - - 0 22

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