Chess Puzzle #5eXVe — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; rook d7; knight g6; pawns a2/b3/h5. Black: king g8; rook b4; bishop f2; pawns a7/e3/e6/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e2 — pawn e3→e2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
3. Best move: Rf8# — rook d8→f8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, hook mate, master, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p2R2p1/4p1N1/7P/1r6/1P2p3/P4b2/1K6 b - - 0 29

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