Chess Puzzle #0on5h — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook b1; knight d6; pawns a6/g2/h2. Black: king b5; rooks b4/h8; bishop e6; pawns a7/b6/c5/f4/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kxa6 — king b5→a6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook b1→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Ba2 (bishop e6→a2).
3. Best move: Rxa2+ — rook a1→a2, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Ra4 (rook b4→a4).
4. Best move: Rxa4# — rook a2→a4, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

Anastasia’s mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxa4# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7r/p7/Pp1Nb2p/1kp3p1/1r3p2/8/6PP/1R4K1 b - - 4 33

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