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

Position

White: king c1; rook d1; bishop c7; knight f3; pawns b2/b4/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook a8; bishop c8; knights b6/e8; pawns a7/b7/c6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxc7 — knight e8→c7, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight c7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r1b1n1k1/ppB2ppp/1np5/8/1P6/5N2/1PP2PPP/2KR4 b - - 1 18

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