Chess Puzzle #1j51V — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c7; knight f5; pawns a2/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f8; rook d8; knight e5; pawns a5/b6/d6/f6/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd7 — rook d8→d7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r1k2/2R2p1p/1p1p1p2/p3nN2/8/1P6/P4PPP/6K1 b - - 0 24

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