Chess Puzzle #4AcWB — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; rooks a1/e1; bishop b2; pawns a2/b3/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d2; rook a8; bishop f6; knight b5; pawns a7/b7/c6/c7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb2 — bishop f6→b2, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e4→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook a8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, master, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/ppp2ppp/2p2b2/1n6/4Q3/1P6/PBPq1PPP/R3R1K1 b - - 0 16

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