Chess Puzzle #227xQ — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a7; bishop d3; pawns b2/d4/f2/f3/h3. Black: king g8; rook e8; bishop d2; pawns b5/b7/c6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re7 — rook e8→e7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook a8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/Rp3pp1/2p4p/1p6/3P4/3B1P1P/1P1b1P2/6K1 b - - 1 23

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