Chess Puzzle #1iMfS — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 624 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king e4; rook b5; pawns a5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c2/d1; pawns f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ra2 — rook c2→a2. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b5→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d1→d8).
  3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook b8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5ppp/8/PR6/4K3/8/2r3PP/3r4 b - - 0 39

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