Chess Puzzle #2R89B — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook e1; knight f5; pawns b4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a4/e3; pawns a6/b5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe3 — rook e1→e3, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a4→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook a1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/6p1/p6p/1p3N2/rP6/4r3/6PP/4R2K w - - 0 33

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