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

Position

White: king b1; rooks d4/d5; bishop g3; pawns a3/b4/c2/e5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c7/c8; bishop h6; pawns a7/b6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc2 — rook c7→c2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook c8→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d4→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: 2r3k1/p1r2ppp/1p5b/3RP3/1P1R4/P5B1/2P3PP/1K6 b - - 0 26

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