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

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/c1; bishop b6; pawns c4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rooks b2/d2; bishop e6; pawns c7/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: cxb6 — pawn c7→b6, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a1→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop e6→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook a8→c8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
4. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/2p2ppp/1B2b3/8/2P5/6P1/1r1r1P1P/R1R3K1 b - - 0 22

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