Chess Puzzle #1nGF0 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 478 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; pawns b4/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook b3; pawns d5/e6/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rc2 — rook c1→c2. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b3→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c2→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: 6k1/5p1p/4p1p1/3p4/1P6/1rP5/5PPP/2R3K1 w - - 2 28

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

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