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

Rating 427 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/c1; pawns a2/b4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks d5/d8; pawns b6/c6/f6/f7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook c1→c6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d5→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook a1→d1, captures rook).
  3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/5p1p/1pp2p2/3r4/1P6/8/P4PPP/R1R3K1 w - - 2 24

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