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

Position

White: king h3; rooks e1/e2; knight f4; pawns a4/b2/c3/d4/e4/g2. Black: king e8; rooks e7/g8; pawns a5/b6/d5/e6/f5. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: exd5 — pawn e4→d5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rh7+ — rook e7→h7, gives check. Opponent replies Nh5 (knight f4→h5).
3. Best move: Rxh5# — rook h7→h5, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxh5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4k1r1/4r3/1p2p3/p2p1p2/P2PPN2/2P4K/1P2R1P1/4R3 w - - 1 38

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