Chess Puzzle #02J2r — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d1; bishop b3; knight f7; pawns a2/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook f8; bishop c6; knight e7; pawns a7/b6/c7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Be8 (bishop c6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/p1p1nNpp/1pb5/8/8/1B3P2/P5PP/3R2K1 b - - 0 20

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