Chess Puzzle #19LVd — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; rooks d1/e1; bishop e3; knight f5; pawns a2/c2/c3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/e4; bishop c8; knight b8; pawns a7/b7/c6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxf5 — bishop c8→f5, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e4→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: rnb3k1/pp3ppp/2p5/5N2/4r3/2P1B3/P1P3PP/2KRR3 b - - 1 15

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