Chess Puzzle #3Vu6y — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook c1; knight c5; pawns a2/b2/e2/f2/g3/h2. Black: king b8; rook d2; bishop e7; pawns a7/b7/e6/f6/f7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb2 — rook d2→b2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd7+ — knight c5→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Ka8 (king b8→a8).
3. Best move: Rc8# — rook c1→c8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/pp2bp1p/4pp2/2N5/8/6P1/PP1rPP1P/2R2K2 b - - 1 21

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