Chess Puzzle #0Pph9 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/b6; knight f3; pawns e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a5/d7; bishop e2; pawns e6/f6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa5 — rook a1→a5, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d7→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3r2pp/1R2pp2/r7/4P3/5N2/4bPPP/R5K1 w - - 0 28

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