Chess Puzzle #2Hkb8 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 989 · Beginner · mate, mate in 2, middlegame, pillsburys mate, sacrifice, short.

Position

White: king h1; rooks e1/f1; bishops d2/d3; knights b3/c3; pawns a3/b2/c2/f4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/f6; bishops b6/d7; knights c6/f5; pawns a7/b7/d5/e6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Na4 — knight c3→a4. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Ng3+ — knight f5→g3, gives check. Opponent replies hxg3 (pawn h2→g3, captures knight).
  3. Best move: Rh6# — rook f6→h6, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, pillsburys mate, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rh6# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/pp1b2pp/1bn1pr2/3p1n2/5P2/PNNB4/1PPB2PP/4RR1K w - - 5 17

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