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

Position

White: king b1; rook d1; bishop f1; pawns a2/b2/c2/f4/g3/h2. Black: king b8; rooks d7/e8; bishop c5; pawns a6/b6/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd7 — rook d1→d7, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e8→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d7→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook e1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1k2r3/3r1p1p/pp6/2b5/5P2/6P1/PPP4P/1K1R1B2 w - - 0 27

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