Chess Puzzle #00cJo — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; queen e3; rooks a1/c1; pawns b4/d2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen b2; rook c8; bishop d3; pawns e4/f3/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc1 — rook c8→c1, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a1→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c1→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook a8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/5ppp/8/8/1P2p3/3bQpP1/1q1P1K1P/R1R5 b - - 1 30

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