Chess Puzzle #15LpM — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 584 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king h1; rook d7; pawns f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook c5; pawns d4/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxd4 — rook d7→d4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c5→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d4→d1).
  3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3R2p1/8/2r5/3p4/5P2/6PP/7K w - - 2 39

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.