Chess Puzzle #2EvJS — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h2; rook b7; bishop d3; pawn c2. Black: king g8; rook a3; bishop e6; pawns a7/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a7→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop e6→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pR3pp1/4b2p/8/8/r2B4/2P4K/8 b - - 0 38

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