Chess Puzzle #1BWhy — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d1; knight h5; pawns a2/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f7; rook c8; bishop e7; pawns a6/b7/d5/e5/f5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd5 — rook d1→d5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c8→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d5→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/1p2bk2/p7/3ppp1N/8/1P6/P4PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 29

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