Chess Puzzle #2AXy9 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook b1; bishop d3; pawns a4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook c2; bishop c6; pawns a5/d5/e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc3 — rook c2→c3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Be8 (bishop c6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook b8→e8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5pp1/2b1p2p/p2p4/P7/3B3P/2r2PP1/1R4K1 b - - 5 32

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