Chess Puzzle #1Py4u — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g3; rooks a4/b4; pawns g4/h5. Black: king g8; rook b8; knight c5; pawns f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb4 — rook b8→b4, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a4→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rb8 (rook b4→b8).
3. Best move: Rxb8# — rook a8→b8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxb8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/5ppp/8/2n4P/RR4P1/6K1/8/8 b - - 0 40

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