Chess Puzzle #0CJD3 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f6; rook c1; knight f3; pawns a2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c8; queen d1; rooks d8/h8; pawns a7/b7/c7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd1 — rook c1→d1, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxd1+ — rook d8→d1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2kr3r/ppp4p/5Q2/8/8/5N2/P4PPP/2Rq2K1 w - - 1 21

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