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

Rating 563 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/d3; pawns a2/b3/c4/f2/g2. Black: king g8; rooks e8/g4; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Re2 — rook e8→e2. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d3→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e2→e8).
  3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/ppp2ppp/8/8/2P3r1/1P1R4/P4PP1/R5K1 b - - 2 26

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