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

Position

White: king h2; rook a3; knight b5; pawns d4/e5/f2/g2/g3. Black: king g8; rook b3; knight d5; pawns e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb5 — rook b3→b5, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a3→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rb8 (rook b5→b8).
3. Best move: Rxb8# — rook a8→b8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxb8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5ppp/4p3/1N1nP3/3P4/Rr4P1/5PPK/8 b - - 0 37

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