Chess Puzzle #116xS — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook f1; bishop e5; knight d5; pawns a3/b2/h3. Black: king g8; rook c2; bishop d6; pawns a6/b7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe5 — bishop d6→e5, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ne7+ — knight d5→e7, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Rf8# — rook f1→f8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p4pp/p2b4/3NB3/8/P6P/1Pr5/5R1K b - - 0 31

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