Chess Puzzle #0zr2S — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h3; rooks d3/f1; pawns a3/b4/e6. Black: king c8; rooks c2/e2; pawns a7/b7/c7/g6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe6 — rook e2→e6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f1→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook f8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2k5/ppp5/4P1p1/8/1P6/P2R3K/2r1r3/5R2 b - - 4 45

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