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

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/d5; bishop g3; pawns b4/e5/f2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a3/c3; pawns f3/g4/g7/h5. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c1→c3, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a3→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c3→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1+ — rook a1→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d5→d1).
4. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/6p1/8/3RP2p/1P4p1/r1r2pB1/5P1P/2R3K1 w - - 0 34

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