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

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/e5; pawns a2/b3/c4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f6; rooks d7/d8; pawns a7/c5/c6/e6/f7/g5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc5 — rook e5→c5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d7→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook a1→d1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r4/p2r1p2/2p1pk2/2p1R1p1/2P5/1P6/P4PPP/R5K1 w - - 1 23

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