Chess Puzzle #15N7I — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook b5; knights d4/f1; pawns b3/e5/f2/g4/h5. Black: king g8; rook c1; bishop h7; knights e4/f4; pawns e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc7 — rook c1→c7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b5→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c7→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5ppb/4p2p/1R2P2P/3NnnP1/1P6/5P2/2r2NK1 b - - 2 36

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