Chess Puzzle #2V0ZN — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Rating 527 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks b1/b7; pawns a2/c2/c5/f2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/c4; pawns a7/c6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc5 — rook c4→c5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxb8 (rook a8→b8, captures rook).
  3. Best move: Rxb8# — rook b1→b8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxb8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/pR3ppp/2p5/2P5/2r5/8/P1P2P1P/1R4K1 b - - 2 24

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