Chess Puzzle #0J8Py — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c2; rooks a2/a7; pawns b5/c4/e3/f3/f4/h5. Black: king h7; rooks d2/d8; pawns c5/e6/f6/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb3 — king c2→b3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: R8d3+ — rook d8→d3, gives check. Opponent replies Ka4 (king b3→a4).
3. Best move: Rxa2# — rook d2→a2, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxa2# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/R5pk/4pp1p/1Pp4P/2P2P2/4PP2/R1Kr4/8 w - - 3 39

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