Chess Puzzle #3Cmik — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e5; rook h6; pawns a3/b2/c3/d4/f4/g2/h3. Black: king e7; rook b6; pawns a5/b4/e6/f5/g6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb4 — pawn a3→b4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb5+ — rook b6→b5, gives check. Opponent replies d5 (pawn d4→d5).
3. Best move: Rxd5# — rook b5→d5, captures pawn, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/4k3/1r2p1pR/p3Kp2/1p1P1P2/P1P4P/1P4P1/8 w - - 0 47

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