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

Position

White: king g1; rook c3; bishop e2; knight d4; pawns b2/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d5; bishops c5/e4; pawns b6/e6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd4 — bishop c5→d4, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5ppp/1p2p3/2br4/3Nb3/2R1P3/1P2BPPP/6K1 b - - 1 25

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