Chess Puzzle #1ISXF — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Rating 414 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook c2; pawns b2/d3/e5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook e8; pawns a5/b5/d4/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxe5 — rook e8→e5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e5→e8).
  3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/5ppp/8/pp2P3/3p4/3P3P/1PR2PP1/6K1 b - - 0 30

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