Chess Puzzle #0fm4z — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook d4; bishop d5; pawns a3/e4/f2/f3/h2. Black: king g8; rook b8; knight f4; pawns a6/f7/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e5 — pawn e4→e5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b8→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d4→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook b1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/5p2/p6p/3B2p1/3RPn2/P4P2/5P1P/7K w - - 1 31

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