Chess Puzzle #56jmc — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rooks d1/e7; pawns b5/g4/h2. Black: king g8; rook a2; bishop b2; knight g7; pawns b7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bf6 — bishop b2→f6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight g7→e8).
3. Best move: Rdxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rdxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p2R1np/6p1/1P6/6P1/8/rb5P/3R3K b - - 2 26

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