Chess Puzzle #03gtp — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 778 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks a7/d1; pawns a2/b2/d7/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c2/f8; pawns b6/d4/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxd4 — rook d1→d4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d4→d1).
  3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/R2P2p1/1p5p/8/3p4/8/PPr3PP/3R2K1 w - - 1 25

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