Chess Puzzle #25iUy — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a3; knight f3; pawns e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook c8; knight a5; pawns a6/b5/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa5 — rook a3→a5, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c8→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook c1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/5ppp/p3p3/np6/8/R3PN2/5PPP/6K1 w - - 0 29

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