Chess Puzzle #5QoHh — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g4; rook b2; bishop f2; pawns c2/c3/c5/e5/f4. Black: king e4; rook a1; bishop c6; pawns a6/b7/d5/e6/g7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra3 — rook a1→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb4+ — rook b2→b4, gives check. Opponent replies d4 (pawn d5→d4).
3. Best move: Rxd4# — rook b4→d4, captures pawn, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rxd4# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p4p1/p1b1p3/2PpP3/4kPK1/2P5/1RP2B2/r7 b - - 8 53

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