Chess Puzzle #0f0m9 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook e3; knight c5; pawns a3/c3/d4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king f8; rook b2; knight e7; pawns a7/c6/f6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight e7→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd7+ — knight c5→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king f8→g8).
3. Best move: Re8# — rook e3→e8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Re8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/p3nppp/2p2p2/2N5/3P4/P1P1RP2/1r4PP/6K1 b - - 1 28

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