Chess Puzzle #0nAF5 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen a1; rook d6; knight d2; pawns a2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen b7; rook b2; knight f6; pawns a7/c3/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c2 — pawn c3→c2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d6→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pq3ppp/3R1n2/8/8/2p5/Pr1N2PP/Q6K b - - 0 38

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