Chess Puzzle #1j9BV — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; rooks d1/e1; bishop c4; knights c3/f3; pawns a2/b2/c2/e7/g2/h2. Black: king f8; rooks a8/e8; bishop c8; knights b6/g4; pawns a6/b7/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe7 — rook e8→e7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rexe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rexe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r1b1rk2/1p2Ppp1/pn5p/8/2B3n1/2N2N2/PPP3PP/2KRR3 b - - 0 17

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