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

Position

White: king g3; queen c3; rooks b1/h1; pawns a2/e3/f2/g2. Black: king f8; rooks c8/h8; bishop g7; knight e5; pawns d6/e7/f7/h6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c8→c3, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c3→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2r2k1r/4ppb1/3p3p/4n3/8/2Q1P1K1/P4PP1/1R5R b - - 0 33

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