Chess Puzzle #2G9QV — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 710 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3.

Position

White: king d1; rook a7; pawns b2/h2. Black: king h8; rook b3; knight g6; pawns g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxb2 — rook b3→b2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rb8 (rook b2→b8).
  3. Best move: Rxb8+ — rook a8→b8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Nf8 (knight g6→f8).
  4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook b8→f8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/R5pp/6n1/8/8/1r6/1P5P/3K4 b - - 10 43

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