Chess Puzzle #12X7G — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen h2; rooks a1/e2; pawns a2/b3/c2/f2/g3/h5. Black: king g7; queen c6; rooks e4/e8; pawns a7/b7/c5/f5/g5/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd2 — rook e2→d2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e4→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook a1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, kingside attack, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r3/pp4k1/2q4p/2p2ppP/4r3/1P4P1/P1P1RP1Q/R5K1 w - - 0 31

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