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

Position

White: king e3; rook b6; bishops d2/f3; pawns e5/f5/g4. Black: king g8; rooks d7/g3; bishop h7; pawns d3/f7/g7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rh3 — rook g3→h3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b6→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook b8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3r1ppb/1R6/4PP2/6P1/3pKBr1/3B4/8 b - - 1 39

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