Chess Puzzle #3M7kL — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook e6; bishops d5/h2; pawns a7/b2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king d7; rooks c8/e8; bishop h6; pawns b4/f4/g5/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe8 — rook e6→e8, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c8→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e8→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook c1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r1r3/P2k4/4R2b/3B2pp/1p3p2/7P/1P3PPB/6K1 w - - 1 35

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