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

Position

White: king d3; rook a7; pawns a2/b4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook f2; knight f6; pawns a6/b5/d5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa2 — rook f2→a2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook a8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/R4ppp/p4n2/1p1p4/1P6/3K4/P4rPP/8 b - - 1 35

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