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

Position

White: king h1; rooks a1/d1; bishop c1; knight b1; pawns a2/b2/c4/g2/h2. Black: king c7; rooks d8/e8; bishop c3; pawns b6/b7/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxc3 — knight b1→c3, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxd1+ — rook d8→d1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Nxd1 (knight c3→d1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Re1# — rook e8→e1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Re1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3rr3/1pk2pp1/1p5p/8/2P5/2b5/PP4PP/RNBR3K w - - 3 24

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