Chess Puzzle #1lPU3 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Rating 1017 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/d1; bishop c4; pawns a2/b3/c2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king c8; rooks d2/h8; bishop f8; pawns a7/b7/c7/e4/f5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc2 — rook d2→c2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Be6+ — bishop c4→e6, gives check. Opponent replies Kb8 (king c8→b8).
  3. Best move: Rd8# — rook d1→d8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2k2b1r/ppp3pp/8/5p2/2B1p3/1P5P/P1Pr1PP1/R2R2K1 b - - 1 17

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