Chess Puzzle #1SSNE — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 563 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king h1; rook f1; pawns a2/b2/f5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen f3; rook d8; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxf3 — rook f1→f3, captures queen. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f3→f1).
  3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook d1→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p4ppp/8/5P2/8/5q2/PP4PP/5R1K w - - 0 23

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