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

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; knight f5; pawns g2/g3/h2. Black: king f8; rook d3; bishop h5; pawns f6/f7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bg6 — bishop h5→g6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d3→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/5p1p/5p2/5N1b/8/3r2P1/6PP/2R3K1 b - - 2 30

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