Chess Puzzle #0BF87 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook h6; knight b5; pawns f2/g2/h3. Black: king c7; rook a4; knight c6; pawns b6/b7/f4/g5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb8 — king c7→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h6→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Nd8 (knight c6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook h8→d8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/1pk5/1pn4R/1N4p1/r4p2/7P/5PP1/6K1 b - - 3 39

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