Chess Puzzle #3s1HZ — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; rooks d1/h1; knight a3; pawns a2/c7/g4/h2. Black: king g8; rook f4; bishops a6/f6; pawns a4/b4/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: bxa3 — pawn b4→a3, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Bxd8 (bishop f6→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: cxd8=Q# — pawn c7→d8, captures bishop, promotes to queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, promotion, short. The combination ends with cxd8=Q# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/2P2ppp/b4b2/8/pp3rP1/N7/P6P/2KR3R b - - 0 27

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