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

Position

White: king g1; rooks b3/c3; knight e5; pawns d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook c8; knight e4; pawns d5/e6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c8→c3, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b3→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c3→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: 2r3k1/6pp/4p3/3pN3/3Pn3/1RR5/5PPP/6K1 b - - 0 28

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