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

Position

White: king g4; rook e7; bishops d3/f6; pawns a3/c3/e5/g3. Black: king g8; rooks b2/b8; bishop b6; pawns a7/e6/f7/g6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd8 — bishop b6→d8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e7→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Rh8# — rook e8→h8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rh8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/p3Rp2/1b2pBp1/4P3/6K1/P1PB2P1/1r6/8 b - - 7 37

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