Chess Puzzle #1md82 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; rooks d3/e7; knight f4; pawns a2/b2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook e8; knight c4; pawns a7/b7/c6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe7 — rook e8→e7, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d3→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/pp2Rppp/2p5/8/2n2N2/3R3P/PP4P1/2K5 b - - 0 25

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