Chess Puzzle #19iDz — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g3; rook c5; knight d5; pawns f3/h2. Black: king f8; rook a2; bishop a5; pawns b4/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b3 — pawn b4→b3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c5→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop a5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/5pp1/7p/b1RN4/1p6/5PK1/r6P/8 b - - 0 35

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