Chess Puzzle #0lGH9 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b7/d1; pawns b2/b3/c2/f4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/e2; pawns b5/c6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rdd7 — rook d1→d7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a8→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d7→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook a1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r5k1/1R3ppp/2p5/1p6/5P2/1P6/1PP1r1PP/3R2K1 w - - 3 23

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