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

Rating 552 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short.

Position

White: king b2; rook a5; pawns a2/b3/c2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d1; knights e4/f6; pawns b4/b7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rh1 — rook d1→h1. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a5→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
  3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook a8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p3ppp/5n2/R7/1p2n3/1P6/PKP3PP/3r4 b - - 2 27

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