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

Rating 1020 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rooks a6/e1; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c7; rooks d8/e8; pawns b5/f5/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxe8 — rook e1→e8, captures rook. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e8→e1).
  3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3rr3/2k4p/R5p1/1p3p2/8/8/PP3PPP/4R1K1 w - - 1 33

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.