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

Position

White: king g1; rook b6; bishop c1; pawns b2/e4/f3/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook a8; bishop e6; pawns b3/b4/e5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra1 — rook a8→a1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b6→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop e6→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r5k1/5ppp/1R2b3/4p3/1p2P3/1p3P1P/1P4P1/2B3K1 b - - 0 35

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