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

Position

White: king g3; rook c6; knight g5; pawns a5/e5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks b7/e7; pawns a7/e6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h6 — pawn h7→h6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c6→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pr2r1pp/2R1p3/P3P1N1/8/6K1/6PP/8 b - - 4 37

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