Chess Puzzle #2cTA7 — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 1122 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, master, short.

Position

White: king d4; rook b1; knight e5; pawns b6/g3. Black: king d6; rook c5; knight c3; pawns e6/g4. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Nc4+ — knight e5→c4, gives check. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxc4+ — rook c5→c4, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc4 (king d4→c4, captures rook).
  3. Best move: Nxb1 — knight c3→b1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, short. The key move Rxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1P1kp3/2r1N3/3K2p1/2n3P1/8/1R6 w - - 4 43

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