Chess Puzzle #29pj4 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook c5; knight d4; pawns e5/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook d8; knight b4; pawns c2/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd4 — rook d8→d4, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c5→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d4→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: 3r2k1/5ppp/4p3/2R1P3/1n1N1P2/6P1/2p1K2P/8 b - - 3 38

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