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

Position

White: king h2; rook d2; bishop c4; knight b4; pawns b3/g3/h3. Black: king e7; rook e1; bishop d4; knight e4; pawns e5/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bf2 — bishop d4→f2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6+ — knight b4→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Kf8 (king e7→f8).
3. Best move: Rd8# — rook d2→d8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/4k1pp/5p2/4p3/1NBbn3/1P4PP/3R3K/4r3 b - - 1 44

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