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

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/f1; pawns a2/d4/g3/h2. Black: king b8; rooks b2/d8; pawns a7/b7/c7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd4 — rook d8→d4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f1→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d4→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook f8→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: 1k1r4/ppp3pp/8/8/3P4/6P1/Pr5P/R4RK1 b - - 0 30

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