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

Position

White: king g1; rook d6; knight e7; pawns a2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; rook e8; pawns a7/b7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe7 — rook e8→e7, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d6→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/pp2Nppp/3R4/8/8/7P/P4PP1/6K1 b - - 0 36

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