Chess Puzzle #1M6r3 — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Rating 1259 · Intermediate · mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short.

Position

White: king c1; rooks d1/d2; bishop a7; knights b6/c3; pawns a2/b2/c2/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c7; rooks d8/h8; bishop b4; knights d7/g6; pawns b7/c6/e5/f6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Bxc3 — bishop b4→c3, captures knight. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxd7+ — rook d2→d7, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd7 (rook d8→d7, captures rook).
  3. Best move: Rxd7# — rook d1→d7, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxd7# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r3r/Bpkn2pp/1Np2pn1/4p3/1b2P3/2N5/PPPR1PPP/2KR4 b - - 2 15

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