Chess Puzzle #1Jz7M — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks e1/e5; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks d7/d8; knight b5; pawns a5/d5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd4 — knight b5→d4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e5→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/3r1ppp/8/pn1pR3/8/8/PPP2PPP/4R1K1 b - - 3 20

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