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

Position

White: king g2; rook b1; bishop c5; knight d5; pawns a2/c2/f3/h3. Black: king f8; rook c6; knight h5; pawns a6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc5 — rook c6→c5, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c5→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5k2/5ppp/p1r5/2BN3n/8/5P1P/P1P3K1/1R6 b - - 0 24

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