Chess Puzzle #1NpSF — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/c1; bishops a5/e4; knight b1; pawns b5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c8; rooks d8/g8; bishop c5; knights c4/e6; pawns a7/b6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc4 — rook c1→c4, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Be1 (bishop a5→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

kingside attack, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2kr2r1/p4p1p/1p2n1p1/BPb5/2n1B3/8/5PPP/RNR3K1 w - - 0 21

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