Chess Puzzle #1zCp7 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g6; rook b1; bishop c5; pawns c6/e3/g2/g4. Black: king f8; rook c7; knight g5; pawns d5/e4/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke8 — king f8→e8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c7→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/2r3p1/2P2pKp/2Bp2n1/4p1P1/4P3/6P1/1R6 b - - 2 42

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