Chess Puzzle #0i0sM — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b7/f1; knight f4; pawns a3/c4/d3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c8/f8; knight d4; pawns a5/c7/e7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight f4→d5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ne2+ — knight d4→e2, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r2rk1/1Rp1p2p/6p1/p7/2Pn1N2/P2P4/6PP/5RK1 w - - 0 22

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