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

Position

White: king g3; rook a1; bishop b2; pawns f3/g2/h4. Black: king g8; rook c4; bishop a2; pawns b7/e7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bb3 — bishop a2→b3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a1→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c4→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: 6k1/1p2pp1p/6p1/8/2r4P/5PK1/bB4P1/R7 b - - 2 29

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