Chess Puzzle #2C6xk — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; rooks d2/f1; bishop b3; knight c3; pawns a2/b2/c2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks e7/e8; bishop f4; pawns a7/b6/g5/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight c3→d5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e7→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook f1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, pin, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/p3r2p/1p6/6p1/5b2/1BN5/PPPR3P/2K2R2 w - - 0 27

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