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

Position

White: king h1; rook f2; bishop g3; pawns b2/b3/c4/e4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d2; bishops c3/g4; pawns a7/b7/c6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: bxc3 — pawn b2→c3, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d2→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f2→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook d1→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pp3p1p/2p3p1/8/2P1P1b1/1Pb3B1/1P1r1RPP/7K w - - 0 23

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