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

Position

White: king h1; rook e1; bishops c1/g4; pawns a4/c3/d4/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rooks b3/f7; knight h4; pawns a7/c4/d5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook b3→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e1→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Be6+ — bishop g4→e6, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook e8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p4rpp/8/3p4/P1pP2Bn/1rP4P/6P1/2B1R2K b - - 0 37

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