Chess Puzzle #1OKO0 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen e6; rook c2; pawns a3/b3/g3/h3. Black: king h8; rook e8; bishop f6; pawns a6/b7/d5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe6 — rook e8→e6, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop f6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook c8→d8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e6→e8).
4. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/1p4pp/p3Qb2/3p4/8/PP4PP/2R4K/8 b - - 0 37

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