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

Rating 465 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/d7; pawns a6/d6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king a8; rook b8; pawns a7/e6/f6/g5/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rcc7 — rook c1→c7. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b8→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c7→c1).
  3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook b1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: kr6/p2R3p/P2Ppp2/6p1/8/8/5PPP/2R3K1 w - - 1 39

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