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

Position

White: king g1; rook b7; knight f3; pawns a3/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook a8; knight c2; pawns b4/f6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb4 — pawn a3→b4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a8→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook a1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/1R5p/5p2/8/1p6/P4N2/1Pn2PPP/6K1 w - - 0 24

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