Chess Puzzle #1r3EM — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 921 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks a7/e1; pawns f3/g2/h2. Black: king f6; rooks a2/b3; pawns a5/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ree7 — rook e1→e7. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b3→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e7→e1).
  3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook b1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/R5pp/5k2/p7/8/1r3P2/r5PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 31

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