Chess Puzzle #0dO8A — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a7; bishop f1; knight c4; pawns d5/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen c1; rook e8; pawns a5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re1 — rook e8→e1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e1→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook a8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/R4ppp/8/p2P4/2N5/6P1/5P1P/2q2BK1 b - - 5 26

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