Chess Puzzle #23ddS — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h3; rook d7; bishops c2/e5; pawns a2/c4/h2. Black: king g8; rook e8; bishop b6; pawns a6/b7/c7/f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe5 — rook e8→e5, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e5→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/1ppR1pp1/pb5p/4B3/2P5/7K/P1B4P/8 b - - 0 33

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