Chess Puzzle #27Fb0 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c3; knight f3; pawns a4/e5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook d8; knight f5; pawns b7/e6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd5 — rook d8→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/1p3ppp/4p3/4Pn2/P7/2R2N1P/5PP1/6K1 b - - 0 28

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