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

Position

White: king e2; rook a7; knight e1; pawns d3/e5/f2/f4/h2. Black: king g8; rook c8; bishop b2; pawns a3/d4/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc1 — rook c8→c1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c1→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook a8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/R4ppp/4p3/4P3/3p1P2/p2P4/1b2KP1P/4N3 b - - 5 33

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