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

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/d7; pawns e3/f2/g3/h6. Black: king f8; rook a2; bishop b4; knights e6/h7; pawns a7/b7/f7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a7→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Nd8 (knight e6→d8).
3. Best move: Rcxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rcxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/pp1R1p1n/4n2P/8/1b6/4P1P1/r4P2/2R3K1 b - - 1 35

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