Chess Puzzle #0e98Q — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 434 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king g1; queen g3; rook g4; knight f3; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks d8/f8; bishops a6/c3; pawns a7/c6/e6/f7/h6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: bxc3 — pawn b2→c3, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
  3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r1r1k/p4p1p/b1p1p2p/8/6R1/2b2NQ1/PPP2PPP/6K1 w - - 0 18

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