Chess Puzzle #1dxq0 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rook b7; bishop e5; pawns d4/f2/g2/h4. Black: king g8; rook a4; knight d5; pawns e6/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra2 — rook a4→a2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Rh8# — rook b8→h8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rh8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1R3p2/4p1p1/3nB2p/r2P3P/8/5PPK/8 b - - 0 31

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