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

Position

White: king h2; rook c3; bishop e3; pawns a5/e5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rooks a8/d1; pawns b5/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa5 — rook a8→a5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d1→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/5ppp/4p3/Pp2P3/8/2R1B2P/5PPK/3r4 b - - 0 32

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