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

Position

White: king g1; rooks b1/d6; pawns a3/b2/c3/c5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; rooks e2/e8; pawns b5/c6/f5/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook d6→c6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e2→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook b1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r3/5pkp/2pR2p1/1pP2p2/8/P1P5/1P2rPPP/1R4K1 w - - 2 25

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