Chess Puzzle #30b6f — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rook e1; pawns b2/c3/d4/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen b7; rook c8; bishop e4; pawns f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bf5 — bishop e4→f5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e2→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook c8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/1q3ppp/8/8/3Pb3/2P4P/1P2Q1P1/4R1K1 b - - 4 39

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