Chess Puzzle #1FMu1 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen g4; rooks a1/e1; pawns a2/b2/d6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks e3/e8; bishop d7; knight g5; pawns a7/c5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxd7 — queen g4→d7, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxe1+ — rook e3→e1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook a1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p2b1ppp/3P4/2p3n1/6Q1/4r3/PP3PPP/R3R1K1 w - - 0 26

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