Chess Puzzle #0C3k2 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; rooks h1/h2; bishop b2; knight e2; pawns a2/b3/c2/d3/e3/f2. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks a8/f8; bishop f6; pawns a7/c5/c6/d5/e6/f7/g7. Black is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g6 — pawn g7→g6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h2→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Bxh8 (bishop f6→h8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxh8# — rook h1→h8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

kingside attack, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, opera mate, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxh8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r2q1rk1/p4pp1/2p1pb2/2pp4/8/1P1PP3/PBPKNP1R/7R b - - 2 17

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