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

Rating 506 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, hanging piece, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame.

Position

White: king f3; rook a8; pawns b4/f2/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rooks d8/e6; pawns d2/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rb8 — rook d8→b8. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxb8+ — rook a8→b8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e6→e8).
  3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook b8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: R2r2k1/5ppp/4r3/8/1P3P2/5KP1/3p1P1P/8 b - - 1 33

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