Chess Puzzle #0b3zh — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b7/f1; knight f3; pawns a2/d4/e5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook f8; knight c3; pawns a6/c6/e6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ng5 — knight f3→g5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ne2+ — knight c3→e2, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/1R4pp/p1p1p3/4P3/3P4/2n2N2/P5PP/5RK1 w - - 0 23

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