Chess Puzzle #0j1zV — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks e4/f1; bishops b2/g2; pawns a3/b4/c4/d4/f2/h3. Black: king h8; queen h4; rook f8; bishop c7; knight g4; pawns a7/b7/c6/g6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf2 — rook f8→f2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e4→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f2→f8).
3. Best move: Rfxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rfxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/ppb3pp/2p3p1/8/1PPPR1nq/P6P/1B3PB1/5RK1 b - - 1 23

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