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

Position

White: king g1; rooks e1/e7; bishop c5; pawns b3/d4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a2/c8; bishop e4; pawns a7/c4/f5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd3 — bishop e4→d3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e7→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook c8→e8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/p3Rppp/8/2B2p2/2pPb3/1P3P2/r5PP/4R1K1 b - - 1 27

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