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

Position

White: king g1; rook e2; knight e4; pawns a5/b4/d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook c7; knight d6; pawns a7/b7/g4/h4. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxd6 — knight e4→d6, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c7→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e2→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook c1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/ppr5/3n4/P7/1P1PN1pp/8/4RPPP/6K1 w - - 1 36

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