Chess Puzzle #22phr — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; rook d1; bishops a6/f2; pawns a4/b2/c2/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king d7; rook h8; bishops e6/h6; pawns a7/b6/c6/e7/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc7 — king d7→c7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bg3+ — bishop f2→g3, gives check. Opponent replies Bf4 (bishop h6→f4).
3. Best move: Bxf4# — bishop g3→f4, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Bxf4# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7r/p2kpp2/Bpp1b1pb/7p/P3P3/5P2/1PP2BPP/1K1R4 b - - 1 19

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