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

Position

White: king f1; rook c1; bishop e5; pawns a6/c5/d4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king a8; rook b8; knight c3; pawns a7/c7/e6/f3/g4/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c1→c3, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b8→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c3→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook b1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: kr6/p1p5/P3p2p/2P1B3/3P2p1/2n2pP1/5P1P/2R2K2 w - - 0 33

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