Chess Puzzle #01Siq — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 431 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king b1; rooks d2/f6; pawns a2/b2/c2/d5/g5. Black: king g8; rooks f8/h4; pawns a6/b5/d6/f7/g6/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxd6 — rook f6→d6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rh1+ — rook h4→h1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d2→d1).
  3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook h1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/5p2/p2p1Rp1/1p1P2Pp/7r/8/PPPR4/1K6 w - - 0 28

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.