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

Position

White: king b5; rooks c3/d3; pawns b4/f2/h2. Black: king b8; queen b1; rook a2; pawns b6/b7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb2 — rook a2→b2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d3→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ka7 (king b8→a7).
3. Best move: Ra3# — rook c3→a3, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Ra3# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/1p5p/1p4p1/1K6/1P6/2RR4/r4P1P/1q6 b - - 13 33

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