Chess Puzzle #0AnEu — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rook f7; bishop c3; knight d5; pawns a2/b2/c2/g2/h3. Black: king h7; rooks c1/e2; pawns a6/b7/e5/g6/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rcxc2 — rook c1→c2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nf6+ — knight d5→f6, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king h7→h8).
3. Best move: Rf8# — rook f7→f8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pin, short. The combination ends with Rf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p3Rpk/p5pp/3Np3/8/2B4P/PPP1r1PK/2r5 b - - 6 38

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