Chess Puzzle #20nFP — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 453 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, pillsburys mate, short.

Position

White: king g1; bishop e3; pawns a7/c6/f2/g3/h2. Black: king d5; rook b5; bishop f3; pawns c7/e5/f6/g7/h5. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a8=Q — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b5→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Bc1 (bishop e3→c1).
  3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook b1→c1, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/P1p3p1/2P2p2/1r1kp2p/8/4BbP1/5P1P/6K1 w - - 0 41

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