Chess Puzzle #1A0Qu — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d8; bishop f4; pawns a3/b4/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook c3; bishop f8; pawns a6/b5/e6/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bh6 — bishop f4→h6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c3→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d8→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3R1bk1/5p1p/p3p1p1/1p6/1P3B2/P1r1P3/5PPP/6K1 w - - 2 27

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