Chess Puzzle #0Lb9j — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rook a1; bishop b4; knight g5; pawns d5/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook e4; bishop d7; pawns b5/d6/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb4 — rook e4→b4, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a1→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop d7→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook a8→c8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3b1pp1/3p3p/1p1P2N1/1B2r3/7P/6PK/R7 b - - 0 32

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