Chess Puzzle #0955R — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e5; rook a6; bishop f4; pawns a3/e3/g3/h4. Black: king e7; rook b7; bishop e4; pawns d4/e6/f5/g4/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: exd4 — pawn e3→d4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb5+ — rook b7→b5, gives check. Opponent replies d5 (pawn d4→d5).
3. Best move: Rxd5# — rook b5→d5, captures pawn, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, epaulette mate, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rxd5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/1r2k3/R3p3/4Kp1p/3pbBpP/P3P1P1/8/8 w - - 0 76

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