Chess Puzzle #1lR5A — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rooks b7/f1; bishop d3; pawns a2/b2/d4/g2/h2. Black: king d6; rook a8; bishop e3; knight h5; pawns a7/d5/e6/g4. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb4 — rook b7→b4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ng3+ — knight h5→g3, gives check. Opponent replies hxg3 (pawn h2→g3, captures knight).
3. Best move: Rh8+ — rook a8→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Bh7 (bishop d3→h7).
4. Best move: Rxh7# — rook h8→h7, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, pillsburys mate, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxh7# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r7/pR6/3kp3/3p3n/3P2p1/3Bb3/PP4PP/5R1K w - - 2 32

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