Chess Puzzle #1ym60 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; rooks d2/d8; bishop f6; pawns a2/c2/c3/f4. Black: king g8; rooks a8/f3; bishop g4; pawns a7/b6/c5/f7/g6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd8 — rook a8→d8, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook d2→d8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Rh8# — rook d8→h8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r2R2k1/p4p2/1p3Bp1/2p5/5Pb1/2P2r2/P1PR4/2K5 b - - 5 28

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