Chess Puzzle #4I7iA — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d7; bishops c5/e6; pawns a5/b4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; rook c8; bishops a8/c7; pawns a6/b5/c3/c6/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c2 — pawn c3→c2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bd4+ — bishop c5→d4, gives check. Opponent replies Be5 (bishop c7→e5).
3. Best move: Bxe5# — bishop d4→e5, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Bxe5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: b1r4k/2bR4/p1p1B2p/PpB5/1P6/2p4P/5PP1/6K1 b - - 0 43

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