Chess Puzzle #2MwM3 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen d5; rook d1; bishop g3; pawns b3/e3/e5/f5/g2/h4. Black: king g8; queen g4; rooks c3/c8; pawns a5/b4/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe3 — rook c3→e3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook c8→d8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/5ppp/8/p2QPP2/1p4qP/1Pr1P1B1/6PK/3R4 b - - 0 36

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