Chess Puzzle #1b2AC — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 460 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/e1; knight b1; pawns a2/b2/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/d8; bishop e5; pawns a7/b7/c5/e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxe5 — rook e1→e5, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e5→e1).
  3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r2r2k1/pp3pp1/4p2p/2p1b3/8/2P5/PP3PPP/RN2R1K1 w - - 0 15

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.