Chess Puzzle #12nyT — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen c8; rooks a1/c1; knight a4; pawns a2/b4/d4/f2/f3/h2. Black: king g8; queen d2; rook a8; knight f6; pawns d5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc8 — rook a8→c8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook c1→c8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r1Q3k1/5ppp/5n2/3p4/NP1P4/5P2/P2q1P1P/R1R4K b - - 0 28

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