Chess Puzzle #2OZFb — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c6; pawns a2/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook b8; bishop c5; pawns a4/e5/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc5 — rook c6→c5, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b8→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c5→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook b1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/6p1/2R2p1p/2b1p3/p3P3/8/P4PPP/6K1 w - - 0 34

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