Chess Puzzle #0e1dw — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks d1/d7; bishop e3; pawns a2/c4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks a4/b8; bishop f5; pawns c6/f6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa2 — rook a4→a2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook b8→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→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: 1r5k/3R2pp/2p2p2/5b2/r1P5/4B3/P4PPP/3R2K1 b - - 1 22

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