Chess Puzzle #212QO — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks a7/d7; bishop c4; pawns a2/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; rooks c5/f8; bishop b4; pawns a5/e6/f7/g6/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe6 — bishop c4→e6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c5→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d7→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r2/R2R1pk1/4p1pp/p1r5/1bB5/1P6/P4PPP/6K1 w - - 2 27

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