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

Rating 957 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook d1; pawns a2/b2/e5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king e7; rooks c8/d5; pawns a7/b6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxd5 — rook d1→d5, captures rook. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c8→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d5→d1).
  3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/p3kppp/1p6/3rP3/8/8/PP3PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 25

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