Chess Puzzle #1eZ2E — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; rook b7; pawns b2/f4/h6. Black: king h8; rook f5; pawns a7/c6/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf4 — rook f5→f4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f4→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook b8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/pR5p/2p3pP/5r2/5P2/8/1PK5/8 b - - 0 36

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