Chess Puzzle #0X31O — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 794 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short.

Position

White: king h1; rooks a1/f1; pawns a2/b2/f2/f6/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rook a8; bishop d5; knight f3; pawns a7/b6/c7/e6/f5/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: gxf3 — pawn g2→f3, captures knight. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Bxf3+ — bishop d5→f3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kg1 (king h1→g1).
  3. Best move: Rg8# — rook a8→g8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rg8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r6k/p1p4p/1p2pP2/3b1p2/8/5n2/PP3PPP/R4R1K w - - 0 20

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