Chess Puzzle #1Lk9R — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/f7; pawns a2/b2/e4/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks d2/f8; pawns a7/f5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook c8→d8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook d8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/p4Rpp/8/5p2/4P3/8/PP1r2PP/2R3K1 b - - 0 25

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