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

Position

White: king h1; rook c4; knight d3; pawns b3/c2/e5/f5/g3/h2. Black: king f8; rook d7; bishop g7; pawns a5/b4/c3/e7/f7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd5 — rook d7→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c4→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/3rppb1/7p/p3PP2/1pR5/1PpN2P1/2P4P/7K b - - 1 37

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