Chess Puzzle #0wI7T — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook c1; bishop b3; knight f5; pawns a2/f4/g2/h3. Black: king f8; rook d2; bishops a8/b8; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g6 — pawn g7→g6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, fork, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: bb3k2/p4ppp/8/5N2/5P2/1B5P/P2r2P1/2R4K b - - 6 35

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