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

Position

White: king g3; rook c3; bishop g6; pawns b3/f3/g2/h3. Black: king f8; rooks b4/e7; pawns a4/b7/d5/e6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb3 — pawn a4→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5k2/1p2r1p1/4p1Bp/3p4/pr6/1PR2PKP/6P1/8 b - - 1 43

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