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

Position

White: king f1; rook c3; bishop d2; knight b1; pawns a4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook e2; bishop c2; pawns a6/b7/d3/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb1 — bishop c2→b1, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e2→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p3ppp/p7/8/P7/2Rp3P/2bBrPP1/1N3K2 b - - 3 24

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