Chess Puzzle #0Jj8X — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; rook d7; bishop f4; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook e8; bishop f6; pawns a7/b7/c6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re7 — rook e8→e7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/pp1R1ppp/2p2b2/8/5B2/6P1/PPP2PKP/8 b - - 1 19

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