Chess Puzzle #1a8zF — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c2; queen b7; rooks b4/e4; pawns b5/f2. Black: king h8; queen f1; rook f4; bishop c3; pawns a7/d6/f3/g5/h4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb4 — bishop c3→b4, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e4→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f4→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook e8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/pQ6/3p4/1P4p1/1R2Rr1p/2b2p2/2K2P2/5q2 b - - 5 42

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