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

Position

White: king g1; queen b7; rook c1; knight f1; pawns a4/b2/c3/d4/f2/g2. Black: king f6; rook f8; knights c6/e2; pawns a6/d5/e6. White is ahead by 9 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh2 — king g1→h2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook f8→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Qh7 (queen b7→h7).
3. Best move: Rxh7# — rook h8→h7, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

Anastasia’s mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxh7# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r2/1Q6/p1n1pk2/3p4/P2P4/2P5/1P2nPP1/2R2NK1 w - - 1 28

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