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

Position

White: king h1; rooks a1/f1; bishop c1; knights d5/f5; pawns a2/b2/c2/f4/g2/h2. Black: king f7; rooks a8/e8; bishop c5; knights d7/f2; pawns a7/b7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf2 — rook f1→f2, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e8→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f2→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook e1→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r3r3/pp1n1kp1/7p/2bN1N2/5P2/8/PPP2nPP/R1B2R1K w - - 1 21

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