Chess Puzzle #1k6il — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h3; rooks a2/e7; pawns b5/e5/f6/g4/h2. Black: king e8; queen d1; rook g1; bishop g5; pawns b6/c5/h6. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf8 — king e8→f8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a2→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Qd8 (queen d1→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook a8→d8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4k3/4R3/1p3P1p/1Pp1P1b1/6P1/7K/R6P/3q2r1 b - - 1 43

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