Chess Puzzle #155f3 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c8; rook c2; bishop g2; knight d3; pawns a4/b3/d5/e4/f2/h3. Black: king g8; queen a7; bishops b6/d7; knight g3; pawns a5/b4/d6/e5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxc8 — bishop d7→c8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook c2→c8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop b6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2Q3k1/q2b1ppp/1b1p4/p2Pp3/Pp2P3/1P1N2nP/2R2PB1/6K1 b - - 1 33

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