Chess Puzzle #0qph6 — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king a1; queen g7; bishop c1; knight d3; pawns b3/c2/f6. Black: king a8; rook c6; knight d2; pawns a7/c3. White is ahead by 8 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: f7 — pawn f6→f7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra6+ — rook c6→a6, gives check. Opponent replies Ba3 (bishop c1→a3).
3. Best move: Rxa3# — rook a6→a3, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxa3# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: k7/p5Q1/2r2P2/8/8/1PpN4/2Pn4/K1B5 w - - 3 51

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