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

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; knight e2; pawns b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d2; bishop f6; pawns a7/b6/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe2 — rook d2→e2, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop f6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p4ppp/1p2pb2/8/8/8/1P1rNPPP/2R3K1 b - - 3 30

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