Chess Puzzle #04SUk — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b7/d6; pawns a2/f2/g6. Black: king g8; rook d8; bishop c3; pawns a4/b4/g7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd6 — rook d8→d6, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook b8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/1R4p1/3R2P1/8/pp6/2b5/P4P2/6K1 b - - 2 34

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