Chess Puzzle #0hS9r — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d3; rook c2; knight e5; pawns a3/b2/g2/h4. Black: king b8; rook a4; bishop e3; pawns a7/b7/e6/f4/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra5 — rook a4→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd7+ — knight e5→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Ka8 (king b8→a8).
3. Best move: Rc8# — rook c2→c8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/pp6/4p3/4N2p/r4p1P/P2Kb3/1PR3P1/8 b - - 3 35

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