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

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/g5; pawns a2/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks b2/f8; pawns a5/b6/e6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rfxf2 — rook f8→f2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f2→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook c8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/7p/1p2p3/p5R1/8/1P6/Pr3PPP/2R3K1 b - - 0 26

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