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

Position

White: king g1; queen d5; rook d1; bishops e5/g2; pawns a2/b3/e6/g3/h2. Black: king c8; rooks d8/h8; bishop e7; pawns a7/b7/c6/d3/g7. White is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: cxd5 — pawn c6→d5, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook d1→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Bc5+ (bishop e7→c5, gives check).
3. Best move: Rxc5# — rook c1→c5, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, queenside attack, short. The combination ends with Rxc5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2kr3r/pp2b1p1/2p1P3/3QB3/8/1P1p2P1/P5BP/3R2K1 b - - 0 25

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