Chess Puzzle #2NE3E — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b1/d8; bishop e5; knight f3; pawns d4/d7/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h7; rook c2; bishop f5; pawns b4/d5/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 8 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb4 — rook b1→b4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook c1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3R4/3P1ppk/7p/3pBb2/1p1P4/5N2/2r2PPP/1R4K1 w - - 0 28

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