Chess Puzzle #1BFDR — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h3; rook b7; pawns a2/e5/f2/g4/h2. Black: king h8; rooks c6/d8; pawns a5/b6/e6/f3/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd2 — rook d8→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c6→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook b8→c8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
4. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r3k/1R4pp/1pr1p3/p3P3/6P1/5p1K/P4P1P/8 b - - 0 28

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