Chess Puzzle #1J1fC — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d1; rook h8; knight d2; pawns a2/b2/e4/f2/g3/h4. Black: king f7; rook c7; bishop h6; pawns a7/b6/e5/f6/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd2 — bishop h6→d2, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh7+ — rook h8→h7, gives check. Opponent replies Ke6 (king f7→e6).
3. Best move: Rxc7 — rook h7→c7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, short, skewer. The key move is Rh7+.

Position data

FEN: 7R/p1r2k2/1p3ppb/4p2p/4P2P/6P1/PP1N1P2/3K4 b - - 10 38

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