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

Position

White: king f1; rook d6; knight f5; pawns a2/b3/d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook e8; knight e4; pawns a6/d5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa6 — rook d6→a6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nd2+ — knight e4→d2, gives check. Opponent replies Kg1 (king f1→g1).
3. Best move: Re1# — rook e8→e1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Re1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/5ppp/p2R4/3p1N2/3Pn3/1P6/P4PPP/5K2 w - - 2 27

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