Chess Puzzle #1Hzb3 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 730 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/e2; bishop d5; pawns d7/e4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king h6; rooks b5/d6; pawns e5/h3. White is ahead by 6 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ra7 — rook a1→a7. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b5→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e2→e1).
  3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook b1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/3P4/3r3k/1r1Bp3/4P3/6Pp/4RP1P/R5K1 w - - 1 44

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.