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

Position

White: king g1; queen f3; rooks b1/b2; pawns a2/c3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen c7; rooks e5/e8; pawns a7/b7/c6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb7 — rook b2→b7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e5→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook b1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/ppq2p1p/2p3p1/4r3/8/2P2Q1P/PR3PP1/1R4K1 w - - 1 21

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