Chess Puzzle #1a8xx — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen e6; rooks d1/g3; pawns a2/b2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen g7; rooks f7/f8; bishop d4; pawns a7/b6/c5/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxg7 — rook g3→g7, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rf1+ — rook f7→f1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf1 (rook d1→f1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/p4rq1/1p2Q2p/2p5/3b4/6R1/PP4PP/3R3K w - - 5 27

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