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

Position

White: king e1; rooks c1/e3; knight h5; pawns a4/b3/g4/h3. Black: king g8; rooks d8/h2; bishop a6; pawns a7/b7/e6/f7/g5/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rdd2 — rook d8→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/pp3p1p/b3p3/6pN/P5P1/1P2R2P/7r/2R1K3 b - - 0 32

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