Chess Puzzle #2YXXZ — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks d1/e3; pawns a2/b3/e5/f4/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks c8/d5; pawns a7/d2/f7/g6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re2 — rook e3→e2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1 — rook c8→c1. Opponent replies Rxd2 (rook e2→d2, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Rxd1+ — rook c1→d1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook d2→d1, captures rook).
4. Best move: Rxd1+ — rook d5→d1, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame, X-ray attack. The key move Rxd1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2r4k/p4p2/6p1/3rP3/5P2/1P2R3/P2p2PP/3R2K1 w - - 0 31

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