Chess Puzzle #D5kmE — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks d3/f1; pawns a4/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks b2/c8; knight f6; pawns b7/e5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc6 — rook c8→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d3→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/1p3ppp/5n2/4p3/P7/1P1R4/1r3PPP/5RK1 b - - 4 23

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