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

Position

White: king g2; rook c2; knight b5; pawns a4/f2/g3/h4. Black: king g8; rooks a5/d7; pawns b7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd5 — rook d7→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p1r1ppp/8/rN6/P6P/6P1/2R2PK1/8 b - - 0 37

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