Chess Puzzle #2xWy9 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c3; rook a7; knight a4; pawns a2/b3/c4/h2. Black: king a5; rook f2; bishop a6; knight e6; pawn c6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxh2 — rook f2→h2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b4+ — pawn b3→b4, gives check. Opponent replies Kxa4 (king a5→a4, captures knight).
3. Best move: Rxa6# — rook a7→a6, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxa6# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/R7/b1p1n3/k7/N1P5/1PK5/P4r1P/8 b - - 2 36

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