Chess Puzzle #05F8f — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; rook c6; pawns a3/b3/d3/e6/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook e8; bishop d4; pawns a7/b5/d5/g6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re7 — rook e8→e7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c6→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p5pp/2R1P1p1/1p1p4/3b1P2/PP1P2P1/6KP/8 b - - 4 30

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