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

Position

White: king c1; rooks d1/h1; bishops d6/f7; pawns a2/c3/c4/d3. Black: king h8; rooks a8/g5; bishop b7; knights c5/d7; pawns a7/b6/e6/g7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxh1 — bishop b7→h1, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxh1+ — rook d1→h1, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Rh5 (rook g5→h5).
3. Best move: Rxh5# — rook h1→h5, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rxh5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r6k/pb1n1Bp1/1p1Bp3/2n3r1/2P5/2PP4/P7/2KR3R b - - 3 24

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