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

Position

White: king g1; queen d6; rook f1; bishop a7; pawns b6/c5/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen e8; rook e5; pawns b7/f4/g7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf4 — rook f1→f4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e5→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f4→f1).
3. Best move: Qe3+ — queen e8→e3, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
4. Best move: Rxf1# — rook e1→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, clearance, deflection, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4q2k/Bp4pp/1P1Q4/2P1r3/5p2/8/6PP/5RK1 w - - 3 46

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