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

Position

White: king g2; rook d7; knight f3; pawns a4/f2/g4/h3. Black: king g8; rook e8; bishop c5; pawns a7/b7/f7/g6/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re7 — rook e8→e7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8+ — rook d8→e8, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Rxe8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/pp1R1pp1/6p1/2b5/P5P1/5N1P/5PK1/8 b - - 0 33

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