Chess Puzzle #3K3ez — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e1; rook e3; bishop f6; pawns b3/c3/g3/h6. Black: king f8; rook a8; bishop f5; pawns a7/b7/c7/d6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re8 — rook a8→e8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bg7+ — bishop f6→g7, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king f8→g8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e3→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r4k2/ppp2p1p/3p1BpP/5b2/8/1PP1R1P1/8/4K3 b - - 2 26

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