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

Position

White: king g1; rook c7; bishop b1; knights d6/e5; pawns a3/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook d8; bishop d5; knight b3; pawns a6/b5/e6/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd6 — rook d8→d6, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/2R2pp1/p2Np2p/1p1bN3/8/Pn4P1/5P1P/1B4K1 b - - 0 31

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