Chess Puzzle #1Zz1h — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook e8; knight c7; pawns a2/f2/f4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook b2; knight f8; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight c7→d5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b2→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e8→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook b1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4Rnk1/p1N2ppp/8/8/5P2/8/Pr3PPP/6K1 w - - 2 23

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