Chess Puzzle #2Vh8L — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a7; knights c6/f1; pawns b2/f3/h3. Black: king f8; bishops c8/g7; knight d3; pawns b5/c4/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxh3 — bishop c8→h3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop h3→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook a8→c8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2b2k2/R4pbp/2N3p1/1p6/2p5/3n1P1P/1P6/5NK1 b - - 2 31

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