Chess Puzzle #07KDd — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook c4; bishops a3/g2; pawns a5/b5/e4/f3/g4. Black: king b8; rooks d1/h2; knight g6; pawns a7/b7/e5/f4/g5. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra1 — rook d1→a1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bd6+ — bishop a3→d6, gives check. Opponent replies Ka8 (king b8→a8).
3. Best move: Rc8# — rook c4→c8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/pp6/6n1/PP2p1p1/2R1PpP1/B4P2/4K1Br/3r4 b - - 1 32

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