Chess Puzzle #1YDV1 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a4; rook c1; knight b5; pawns a3/b4/h4. Black: king g8; rook e5; bishop d5; pawns a7/b6/d7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re3 — rook e5→e3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e3→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p2p1ppp/1p6/1N1br3/KP5P/P7/8/2R5 b - - 2 28

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