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

Position

White: king g3; rooks c2/d2; pawns f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rooks d8/e1; pawns a5/b6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd2 — rook d8→d2, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook c8→d8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e1→e8).
4. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/5ppp/1p6/p7/8/6KP/2RR1PP1/4r3 b - - 0 33

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