Chess Puzzle #0X2hD — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/c4; bishop f3; pawns a2/b7/f2/g2/h3. Black: king b8; rooks d6/d8; bishop a7; pawns a6/d3/f5/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d2 — pawn d3→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c4→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc8 (rook d8→c8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook c1→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, queenside attack, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k1r4/bP4pp/p2r4/5p2/2R5/3p1B1P/P4PP1/2R3K1 b - - 1 32

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