Chess Puzzle #04xNg — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen f6; rook d1; bishop b3; pawns a3/c2/c3/e5/h2. Black: king e8; queen g2; rooks a8/h8; bishop a6; pawns a5/d5/e6/f7/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf8 — rook h8→f8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ba4+ — bishop b3→a4, gives check. Opponent replies Bb5 (bishop a6→b5).
3. Best move: Bxb5# — bishop a4→b5, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Bxb5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r3k2r/5p2/b3pQ1p/p2pP1p1/8/PBP5/2P3qP/2KR4 b kq - 1 27

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