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

Position

White: king e4; rooks d1/d2; bishop f3; pawns a4/b2/c3/d4/f4/h3. Black: king e7; rooks a8/g3; knight h5; pawns a5/b7/c6/e6/f7/h4. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxh5 — bishop f3→h5, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: f5+ — pawn f7→f5, gives check. Opponent replies Ke5 (king e4→e5).
3. Best move: Re3# — rook g3→e3, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Re3# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r7/1p2kp2/2p1p3/p6n/P2PKP1p/2P2BrP/1P1R4/3R4 w - - 5 35

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