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

Position

White: king c1; rooks e7/f1; pawns a2/b2/d3/h6. Black: king g8; rooks a8/b4; knight c5; pawns a7/b7/c6/d5/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf8 — rook a8→f8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rg7+ — rook e7→g7, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/pp2R2p/2p3pP/2np4/1r6/3P4/PP6/2K2R2 b - - 3 29

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