Chess Puzzle #3a54j — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; queen h7; rook d3; bishop b5; pawns a2/b3/c2/h2. Black: king e7; queen e1; rooks a8/g8; bishop f3; pawns a7/e6/f6/f7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Be4 — bishop f3→e4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd7+ — rook d3→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Kf8 (king e7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf7# — rook d7→f7, captures pawn, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxf7# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5r1/p3kp1Q/4pp2/1B6/8/1P1R1b2/PKP4P/4q3 b - - 3 22

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