Chess Puzzle #186c0 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rooks f2/f6; bishop h6; pawns a2/b2/c3/g2. Black: king g8; rooks d8/e8; bishop c6; pawns a7/b7/c5/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd5 — rook d8→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f6→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook e8→f8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f2→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3rr1k1/pp5p/2b2RpB/2p5/8/2P5/PP3RPK/8 b - - 4 30

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