Chess Puzzle #39lV1 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g3; rooks a4/c1; pawns a2/f3/h3. Black: king g8; rooks d2/f2; pawns b7/d5/f7/g6/g7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa2 — rook d2→a2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Rh4# — rook a4→h4, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rh4# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p3pp1/6p1/3p4/R7/5PKP/P2r1r2/2R5 b - - 1 34

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