Chess Puzzle #1y352 — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks a5/b1; knight f3; pawns f2/g2/h2. Black: king d7; rooks b8/c8; knight d4; pawns e6/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb8 — rook b1→b8, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c8→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook c1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1rr5/3k2pp/4pp2/R7/3n4/5N2/5PPP/1R4K1 w - - 0 20

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