Chess Puzzle #5OVlz — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook c3; knight b7; pawns a3/b4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook a2; knight d4; pawns a6/e5/f6/g7/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc5 — knight b7→c5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a2→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c3→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook a1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1N4p1/p4p2/4p2p/1P1n4/P1R5/r4PPP/5K2 w - - 1 28

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