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

Position

White: king g1; rook d5; knight e4; pawns a3/b2/c2/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook e2; knight d4; pawns a6/b5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe4 — rook e2→e4, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e4→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: 6k1/5ppp/p7/1p1R4/3nN3/P5P1/1PP1rP1P/6K1 b - - 0 27

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