Chess Puzzle #571Et — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen d7; rook d6; bishop b5; pawns a4/c4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen a1; rooks c5/f8; pawns b6/e4/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rfc8 — rook f8→c8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook c8→d8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d6→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/3Q1ppp/1p1R4/1Br5/P1P1p3/7P/5PPK/q7 b - - 1 28

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