Chess Puzzle #23X5I — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen d5; rook f1; pawns c5/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen c1; rooks e2/e8; pawns c7/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc1 — rook f1→c1, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e2→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook c1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/2p3pp/5p2/2PQ4/8/8/4r1PP/2q2R1K w - - 2 38

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