Chess Puzzle #0iQ57 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b4/d2; pawns a2/c4/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d8; bishop a6; pawns a7/c6/c7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd2 — rook d8→d2, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b4→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop a6→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook b8→c8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
4. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p1p2ppp/b1p5/8/1RP1P3/8/P2R1PPP/6K1 b - - 0 20

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