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

Rating 453 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook b8; pawns c4/d3/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h7; rook a6; pawns d6/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rb5 — rook b8→b5. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a6→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rb1 (rook b5→b1).
  3. Best move: Rxb1# — rook a1→b1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxb1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1R6/5ppk/r2p3p/8/2P1P3/3P4/5PPP/6K1 w - - 2 26

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