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

Position

White: king g1; rook d3; knights e5/f6; pawns b2/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king b4; rook c8; bishop e8; knight g7; pawns a6/b7/e6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxe8 — knight f6→e8, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c8→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d3→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2r1b3/1p4np/p3pN2/4N3/1k6/1P1R4/1P3PPP/6K1 w - - 3 33

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