Chess Puzzle #1IN3B — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 446 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king h3; rook d1; knight g5; pawns e5/g3/h4. Black: king g8; queen c6; pawns a6/c4/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Qe8 (queen c6→e8).
  3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/6p1/p1q5/4P1N1/2p4P/6PK/8/3R4 b - - 1 41

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