Chess Puzzle #1d1Cl — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e6; rook c6; pawn d6. Black: king e8; rook d7; bishop g7; knight f2; pawn e5. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd3 — knight f2→d3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c6→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: d7+ — pawn d6→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Kf8 (king e8→f8).
4. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, deflection, endgame, exposed king, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/3r2b1/2RPK3/4p3/8/8/5n2/8 b - - 4 51

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