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

Position

White: king g1; rooks e1/e7; bishop b3; pawns a2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks d4/d8; bishop f5; pawns c6/f6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd2 — rook d4→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e7→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r3k/4R1pp/2p2p2/5b2/3r4/1B6/P4PPP/4R1K1 b - - 2 25

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