Chess Puzzle #3d3x5 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; rook d1; bishop c4; knight f7; pawns a2/b2/e5/g3/h2. Black: king h8; rook f8; bishops e3/g4; pawns a7/b7/c6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook d8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/pp3Npp/2p5/4P3/2B3b1/4b1P1/PP4KP/3R4 b - - 1 27

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