Chess Puzzle #16mdr — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d7; knight g5; pawns a2/b3/e5/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook e8; knight d5; pawns a7/c7/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re7 — rook e8→e7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p1pR1ppp/4p3/3nP1N1/8/1P5P/P5P1/6K1 b - - 2 27

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