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

Rating 594 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g2; rook b1; pawns a6/f2/f3/h2. Black: king g8; rook c7; pawns a7/b7/d4/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: bxa6 — pawn b7→a6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c7→c8).
  3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/ppr2ppp/P7/8/3p4/5P2/5PKP/1R6 b - - 0 34

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