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

Position

White: king g2; rook c2; bishop d3; pawns a3/b2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook d8; pawns a7/b7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd3 — rook d8→d3, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d3→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/pp3ppp/8/8/8/P2B2P1/1PR3KP/8 b - - 0 28

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