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

Position

White: king g1; rooks d6/f1; bishop a6; pawns a4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; rooks b2/f8; bishop g5; pawns a7/e5/f5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf6 — rook f8→f6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d6→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f6→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook d8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/p5pp/B2R4/4ppb1/P7/7P/1r3PP1/5RK1 b - - 0 23

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