Chess Puzzle #2yRn5 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b1; rook c2; pawns b2/d5/f2/g3/h3. Black: king g8; queen b3; rook a2; bishop f6; pawns d6/f3/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb2 — rook a2→b2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop f6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5pp1/3p1b1p/3P4/8/1q3pPP/rPR2P2/1Q4K1 b - - 1 28

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