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

Position

White: king h2; rook d1; bishop c4; knight h5; pawns a2/b2/c2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; rooks c5/f7; pawns a6/b7/e4/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc4 — rook c5→c4, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook d8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/1p3r1p/p7/2r4N/2B1p3/7P/PPP3PK/3R4 b - - 1 26

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