Chess Puzzle #1CuP0 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a1; rooks b1/h1; bishop d4; pawns a3/c2/f3/h2. Black: king g8; queen b5; bishop e6; knight g5; pawns a7/c6/d6/e7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qa4 — queen b5→a4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop e6→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p3pp1p/2ppb1p1/1q4n1/3B4/P4P2/2P4P/KR5R b - - 1 20

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