Chess Puzzle #1VRoS — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a3; knight b1; pawns a5/c4/g2/h2. Black: king b8; rook f8; knight d4; pawns a7/b6/b7/g6/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb6 — pawn a5→b6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ne2+ — knight d4→e2, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
3. Best move: Rf1# — rook f8→f1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k3r2/pp4p1/1p4p1/P7/2Pn4/R7/6PP/1N4K1 w - - 0 30

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