Chess Puzzle #0N5CX — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook f3; knights b7/g4; pawns b6/c3/g2/g3/h2. Black: king h8; rook a4; knight a7; pawns a5/f6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: bxa7 — pawn b6→a7, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a4→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f3→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook a1→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/nN4pp/1P3p2/p7/r5N1/2P2RP1/6PP/7K w - - 0 33

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