Chess Puzzle #1ev2a — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 759 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g3; rooks b6/e1; pawns c3/e5/g4. Black: king a8; rooks a2/d8; pawns c6/g5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook b6→c6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rd3+ — rook d8→d3, gives check. Opponent replies Re3 (rook e1→e3).
  3. Best move: Rxe3# — rook d3→e3, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe3# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: k2r4/8/1Rp5/4P1p1/6P1/2P3K1/r7/4R3 w - - 0 40

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