Chess Puzzle #cd4sX — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; rook e7; bishops a5/b5; pawns d4/g5/h2. Black: king c7; rook a8; bishop f5; knight b6; pawns a7/b7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd6 — king c7→d6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bb4+ — bishop a5→b4, gives check. Opponent replies Kd5 (king d6→d5).
3. Best move: Re5+ — rook e7→e5, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd4 (king d5→d4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Bc3# — bishop b4→c3, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, exposed king, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Bc3# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r7/ppk1Rppp/1n6/BB3bP1/3P4/8/1K5P/8 b - - 1 27

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