Chess Puzzle #1xl4u — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook c6; bishop b1; pawns a7/f3/f5/g2/h3. Black: king g7; rook a1; bishop d4; pawns d5/f7/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxa7 — bishop d4→a7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: f6+ — pawn f5→f6, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g7→h8).
3. Best move: Rc8# — rook c6→c8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/P4pk1/2R4p/3p1Pp1/3b4/5P1P/6P1/rB3K2 b - - 0 39

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