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

Position

White: king g1; rooks d5/e1; pawns a3/b2/c3/f3/g3/h2. Black: king b8; rook d8; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7/g7/h5. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd5 — rook d8→d5, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e1→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook e8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1k1r4/ppp2pp1/8/3R3p/8/P1P2PP1/1P5P/4R1K1 b - - 0 29

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