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

Rating 989 · Beginner · deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short.

Position

White: king a3; rooks e1/g1; pawns a2/b3/e5/g4/h4. Black: king e6; rook c2; bishop d3; pawns a5/b5/f7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rg3 — rook g1→g3. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: b4+ — pawn b5→b4, gives check. Opponent replies Ka4 (king a3→a4).
  3. Best move: Rxa2# — rook c2→a2, captures pawn, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rxa2# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p1p/4k3/pp2P3/6PP/KP1b4/P1r5/4R1R1 w - - 1 35

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