Chess Puzzle #0Z4bP — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; rooks e3/g1; bishop d5; pawns a2/b2/c3/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks d8/f4; knight d3; pawns a6/b7/g6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd5 — rook d8→d5, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e3→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f4→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook e8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r3k/1p4pp/p5p1/3B4/5r2/2PnR3/PP4PP/1K4R1 b - - 2 28

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