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

Position

White: king d3; rook c1; bishop g7; pawns a4/h6. Black: king g8; rook a2; knight e6; pawns a6/b7/d6/e7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxg7 — knight e6→g7, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight g7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p2ppBp/p2pn1pP/8/P7/3K4/r7/2R5 b - - 1 44

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