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

Position

White: king g2; rook a7; knight g5; pawns a3/c5/d4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook b1; bishop c7; knight d5; pawns a5/c6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra1 — rook b1→a1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Bb8 (bishop c7→b8).
3. Best move: Rxb8# — rook a8→b8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/R1b2ppp/2p5/p1Pn2N1/3P4/P5P1/5PKP/1r6 b - - 3 29

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