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

Rating 523 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook c6; bishop b2; knight f3; pawns a3/b4/e5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook d8; bishop b8; knight g6; pawns a6/b6/e6/f6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: exf6 — pawn e5→f6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
  3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1b1r2k1/6pp/ppR1ppn1/4P3/1P6/P4N1P/1B3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 31

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