Chess Puzzle #05kax — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook c3; knight e5; pawns a4/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; rook a7; knight d4; pawns b5/f7/g6/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb5 — pawn a4→b5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a7→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c3→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook a1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/r4pk1/6pp/1p2N3/P2n4/1PR5/5PPP/5K2 w - - 0 35

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