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

Position

White: king f2; rook b7; bishop c3; pawns a2/b3/c2/g3. Black: king g8; rook g6; bishop f5; pawns a7/c6/f7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxc2 — bishop f5→c2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Rh8# — rook b8→h8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rh8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pR3p2/2p3r1/5b2/8/1PB3P1/P1P2K2/8 b - - 0 36

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