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

Rating 400 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook c3; knights d4/f3; pawns b4/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook a2; knights f2/f6; pawns b6/d5/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: N2e4 — knight f2→e4. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
  3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5ppp/1p2pn2/3p4/1P1N4/2R2N1P/r4nP1/6K1 b - - 1 29

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