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

Position

White: king g1; rooks e1/e2; bishop f6; pawns a2/b2/c3/d4/f3/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/c6; pawns a7/b7/d5/f5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf6 — rook c6→f6, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e2→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook a8→e8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→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: r5k1/pp3ppp/2r2B2/3p1p2/3P4/2P2P2/PP2R2P/4R1K1 b - - 0 26

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