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

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/e2; pawns b3/c3/d4/f4/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook e8; knight b5; pawns b6/b7/d5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe2 — rook e8→e2, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a1→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e2→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook a8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/1p3ppp/1p6/1n1p4/3P1P2/1PP4P/4R1P1/R5K1 b - - 0 26

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