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

Position

White: king g2; queen d8; rook d1; bishop e2; pawns a2/c2/g4/h3. Black: king g8; queen b2; rooks a8/f7; bishop e3; pawns a7/b7/c6/e4/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd8 — rook a8→d8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook d1→d8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Bc4+ — bishop e2→c4, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook d8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r2Q2k1/pp3rpp/2p5/8/4p1P1/4b2P/PqP1B1K1/3R4 b - - 1 21

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