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

Position

White: king e1; rooks d1/f1; bishop d3; pawns a2/b4/c2/f4. Black: king c8; rooks d8/h2; knight c5; pawns b7/c6/d5/f7/g6/g7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: bxc5 — pawn b4→c5, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook d8→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Be2 (bishop d3→e2).
3. Best move: Rhxe2# — rook h2→e2, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, epaulette mate, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rhxe2# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2kr4/1p3pp1/2p3p1/2np4/1P3P2/3B4/P1P4r/3RKR2 w - - 1 26

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