Chess Puzzle #0xZPn — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; rook c4; bishop d4; pawns a4/f2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d7; knight f6; pawns e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight f6→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c4→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3r1p1p/4pnp1/8/P1RB4/8/5PKP/8 b - - 2 34

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