Chess Puzzle #IP5gs — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d5; rook f7; bishop g5; knight d7; pawns b5/c4/d4. Black: king c8; rook e1; bishop f2; pawns a7/b6/c7/g2. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g1=Q — pawn g2→g1, promotes to queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f7→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e1→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8+ — rook f8→e8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kb7 (king c8→b7).
4. Best move: Rb8# — rook e8→b8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rb8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2k5/p1pN1R2/1p6/1P1K2B1/2PP4/8/5bp1/4r3 b - - 0 42

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