Chess Puzzle #07K4K — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a3; rooks c1/e1; pawns d3/f3/g5/h2. Black: king g8; rook b5; bishop c6; knight h5; pawns a4/d5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd7 — bishop c6→d7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bxc8 (bishop d7→c8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Re8# — rook e1→e8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Re8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5ppp/2b5/1r1p2Pn/p7/K2P1P2/7P/2R1R3 b - - 1 30

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