Chess Puzzle #0Bir2 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook c1; knight c5; pawns a3/b4/g2/h2. Black: king c8; queen h4; pawns a7/b7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb8 — king c8→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd7+ — knight c5→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Ka8 (king b8→a8).
3. Best move: Rc8# — rook c1→c8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2k5/pp5p/6p1/2N5/1P5q/P7/6PP/2R4K b - - 1 43

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