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

Position

White: king c1; rooks d1/g1; knight e4; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/h2. Black: king e6; rooks a8/d8; knight f4; pawns a7/b6/e5/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxg7 — rook g1→g7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ne2+ — knight f4→e2, gives check. Opponent replies Kb1 (king c1→b1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r2r4/p5pp/1p2kp2/4p3/4Nn2/8/PPP2P1P/2KR2R1 w - - 2 22

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