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

Position

White: king g1; rook b1; bishops a5/e4; pawns a4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook e6; knight c4; pawns a7/c5/d6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe4 — rook e6→e4, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e4→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook b8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p4ppp/3pr3/B1p5/P1n1B3/7P/5PP1/1R4K1 b - - 1 31

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