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

Position

White: king f2; rooks c1/h1; pawns a3/f3/f5/g5/h5. Black: king g8; rooks d3/e8; knight a4; pawns a7/b5/d5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ree3 — rook e8→e3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e3→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p4ppp/8/1p1p1PPP/n7/P2r1P2/5K2/2R4R b - - 0 28

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