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

Rating 1189 · Beginner · mate, mate in 2, middlegame, pin, short.

Position

White: king h2; queen b1; rooks a1/f1; bishop c2; knight h4; pawns a2/c3/d5/e3/f2/g3. Black: king g7; queen c7; rook h8; bishop f3; pawns a7/b7/e4/f6/f7. White is ahead by 9 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Bxe4 — bishop c2→e4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxh4+ — rook h8→h4, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Kg1 (king h2→g1).
  3. Best move: Rh1# — rook h4→h1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, pin, short. The combination ends with Rh1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7r/ppq2pk1/5p2/3P4/4p2N/2P1PbP1/P1B2P1K/RQ3R2 w - - 1 26

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