Chess Puzzle #3lNEc — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; rook d1; bishops d3/e7; pawns b3/c2. Black: king a5; rook g2; bishops d5/f4; pawns a6/b4/e6/f5. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Be5 — bishop f4→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bd8+ — bishop e7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc7 (bishop e5→c7).
3. Best move: Bxc7# — bishop d8→c7, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Bxc7# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/4B3/p3p3/k2b1p2/1p3b2/1P1B4/2P3r1/1K1R4 b - - 0 37

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