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

Position

White: king g3; rook a6; knight b6; pawns d6/f3/g2/h2. Black: king d8; rooks c2/e8; knight f6; pawns a5/f5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re6 — rook e8→e6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a6→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c2→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook a8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3kr3/6p1/RN1P1n1p/p4p2/8/5PK1/2r3PP/8 b - - 10 38

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