Chess Puzzle #030gR — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king f1; rook b8; bishop e2; knight d4; pawns a4/f2. Black: king g7; rook c3; knight f4; pawns f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c3→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Bd1 (bishop e2→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1R6/5pkp/6p1/8/P2N1n2/2r5/4BP2/5K2 w - - 1 36

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.