Chess Puzzle #0sV7W — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rooks f2/f3; knight e7; pawns a2/c4/g3/h3. Black: king g8; rooks b8/d6; knight g7; pawns a6/c5/e4/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king g8→h8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f3→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook b8→f8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f2→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/4N1np/p2r2p1/2p5/2P1p3/5RPP/P4R1K/8 b - - 1 37

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