Chess Puzzle #2Bq6u — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Rating 437 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook b7; pawns a3/b2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook c8; bishop d4; pawns a7/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rc2 — rook c8→c2. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c2→c8).
  3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/pR3ppp/4p3/8/3b4/P6P/1P3PP1/6K1 b - - 0 26

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