Chess Puzzle #1Q92z — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook c1; bishop e4; pawns a3/b2/f2/f3/h2. Black: king g8; rook d2; bishop g5; pawns a7/b6/e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf2 — rook d2→f2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop g5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p4pp1/1p2p2p/6b1/4B3/P4P2/1P1r1P1P/2R4K b - - 3 25

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