Chess Puzzle #218gO — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d7; knight f3; pawns a3/b4/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook a2; bishop g6; pawns b6/b7/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb7 — rook d7→b7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a2→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook a1→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: 6k1/1p1R1pp1/1p4bp/8/1P6/P1P2N2/r4PPP/6K1 w - - 1 25

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