Chess Puzzle #07Sg1 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook b8; bishop d1; knights c3/c6; pawns c4/e4/f3. Black: king g8; rooks a3/f2; bishop h3; knight f8; pawns f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook a3→c3, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ne7+ — knight c6→e7, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook b8→f8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1R3nk1/5ppp/2N5/8/2P1P3/r1N2P1b/5r2/3B3K b - - 0 27

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