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

Position

White: king a1; rooks e1/e7; knight c4; pawns a4/c3/g2/h2. Black: king d8; rooks b2/c6; pawns a5/b7/d3/d4/d5/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: dxc3 — pawn d4→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e7→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Kc7 (king d8→c7).
3. Best move: R1e7# — rook e1→e7, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with R1e7# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3k4/1p2R1p1/2r5/p2p4/P1Np4/2Pp4/1r4PP/K3R3 b - - 0 29

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