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

Position

White: king a1; rooks c1/h1; bishop e3; knights d2/f3; pawns b2/d4/f2/g4/h3. Black: king g8; rooks a8/c8; bishops a3/c2; knight f6; pawns b3/b7/d5/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: bxa3 — pawn b2→a3, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxa3+ — rook a8→a3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb2 (king a1→b2).
3. Best move: Ra2# — rook a3→a2, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, pillsburys mate, short. The combination ends with Ra2# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r1r3k1/1p3ppp/4pn2/3p4/3P2P1/bp2BN1P/1PbN1P2/K1R4R w - - 0 21

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