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

Position

White: king h1; rook b7; knight g5; pawns c4/e5/g2. Black: king g8; rook e8; knight h4; pawns a4/c6/g7/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe5 — rook e8→e5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e5→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook b8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/1R4p1/2p5/4P1Np/p1P4n/8/6P1/7K b - - 2 37

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