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

Position

White: king g1; rooks d1/d4; bishop f6; pawns c3/g2/h2. Black: king e8; rooks c8/g8; bishop a2; pawns b5/b7/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rg6 — rook g8→g6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d4→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook c8→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r1k1r1/1p3p1p/5B2/1p6/3R4/2P5/b5PP/3R2K1 b - - 1 26

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