Chess Puzzle #0o1K4 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; rooks b1/d2; pawns a2/d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/c4; pawns a3/d5/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Raa4 — rook a8→a4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c4→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/5ppp/4p3/3p4/2rP4/p3K3/P2R1PPP/1R6 b - - 1 25

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