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

Rating 834 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king c2; rook g7; pawns a2/b2/c4/h4. Black: king b8; rook d8; pawns a7/b7/c7/g6/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rd6 — rook d8→d6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rg8+ — rook g7→g8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d6→d8).
  3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook g8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1k1r4/ppp3R1/6p1/7p/2P4P/8/PPK5/8 b - - 1 30

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