Chess Puzzle #09ZcB — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook b1; bishop d3; pawns d4/f3/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook c7; knight c4; pawns a7/d5/e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd2 — knight c4→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c7→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p1r2pp1/4p2p/3p4/2nP4/3B1PP1/7P/1R4K1 b - - 5 38

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