Chess Puzzle #1f6JX — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 470 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king h1; rook f1; pawns e5/g2/h2. Black: king h7; queen f8; rook a7; pawns d5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 9 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxf8 — rook f1→f8, captures queen. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a7→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f8→f1).
  3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook a1→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5q2/r5pk/7p/3pP3/8/8/6PP/5R1K w - - 0 44

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