Chess Puzzle #28O0Y — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a5; knight e3; pawns b4/c3/f4/g2/h4. Black: king h8; rook d7; bishop e4; pawns c5/c6/d5/f5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: cxb4 — pawn c5→b4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a5→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook a8→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: 7k/3r2pp/2p5/R1pp1p2/1P2bP1P/2P1N3/6P1/6K1 b - - 0 30

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