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

Position

White: king g1; rooks b5/f1; bishop b1; pawns a3/b4/d5/g5/h3. Black: king g8; rooks c3/e2; bishop g3; pawns d6/f7/g7/h4. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa3 — rook c3→a3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b5→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e2→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook b8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5pp1/3p4/1R1P2P1/1P5p/P1r3bP/4r3/1B3RK1 b - - 8 40

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