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

Position

White: king g1; rook d1; pawns a4/b3/d6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c2/d4; pawns a7/b7/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd4 — rook d1→d4, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d4→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: 6k1/pp4p1/3P1p1p/8/P2r4/1P6/2r2PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 30

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