Chess Puzzle #0Ii3U — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a1; rooks c2/d1; pawns a2/b2/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook c8; bishop a6; knight f6; pawns a5/a7/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc2 — rook c8→c2, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/p4ppp/b4n2/p7/4P3/5P2/PPR3PP/K2R4 b - - 2 26

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