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

Position

White: king a1; queen d4; rooks d1/g1; pawns a2/b2/d5/h4. Black: king g8; queen c1; rooks c7/c8; knight d3; pawns a6/b5/d6/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc1 — rook d1→c1, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc1+ — rook c7→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook g1→c1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook c8→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/2r3pp/p2p1p2/1p1P4/3Q3P/3n4/PP6/K1qR2R1 w - - 6 33

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