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

Position

White: king b1; rook d1; knight c4; pawns a2/b2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks e2/g2; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxh2 — rook g2→h2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e2→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p4ppp/8/8/2N5/8/PP2r1rP/1K1R4 b - - 2 32

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