Chess Puzzle #06FTb — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Rating 470 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook d1; knight f3; pawns a4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook c3; knight f6; pawns e6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ra3 — rook c3→a3. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
  3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5ppp/4pn2/8/P7/2r2N2/5PPP/3R2K1 b - - 0 32

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