Chess Puzzle #2nmVn — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 1039 · Beginner · back rank mate, deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, pin.

Position

White: king b1; rook f5; bishop h6; knight b5; pawns a2/b2/c2/e6/h5. Black: king h8; rook g1; bishop e7; knight e4; pawns b6/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Bc1 — bishop h6→c1. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Nd2+ — knight e4→d2, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b1→a1).
  3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook g1→c1, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, pin, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/4b2p/1p2P2B/1N3R1P/4n3/8/PPP5/1K4r1 w - - 1 31

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