Chess Puzzle #0iG71 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rooks c1/e1; bishop b2; knight a8; pawns a2/b3/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook d7; bishops f2/h3; knight e4; pawns a6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe1 — bishop f2→e1, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

master, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: N5k1/3r1ppp/p7/8/4n3/1P4Pb/PB3b1P/2R1R2K b - - 1 25

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