Chess Puzzle #1lhm8 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks a3/d1; knight c5; pawns e5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks b4/c8; bishop b5; pawns a7/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc5 — rook c8→c5, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Be8 (bishop b5→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/p4ppp/4p3/1bN1P3/1r6/R7/6PP/3R2K1 b - - 0 25

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