Chess Puzzle #2DQb1 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d3; rook c5; bishop d4; pawns a2/f2/f3. Black: king g8; rooks b2/d6; pawns a7/b7/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa2 — rook b2→a2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c5→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pp3p1p/3r4/2R5/3B4/3K1P2/Pr3P2/8 b - - 3 30

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