Chess Puzzle #02CfV — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; rook d2; knight g4; pawns a2/b2/h3. Black: king h8; rook e1; bishop c6; pawns a6/b7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb1 — rook e1→b1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d2→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Be8 (bishop c6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 7k/1p4pp/p1b5/8/6N1/7P/PP1R1K2/4r3 b - - 4 38

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