Chess Puzzle #GRp7E — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen e6; rook e1; pawns a4/c2/g2/h2. Black: king c8; queen c3; rooks f7/g8; pawns a7/b7/c7/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb8 — king c8→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e6→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook g8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2k3r1/ppp2r1p/4Q3/8/P7/2q5/2P3PP/4R2K b - - 0 31

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