Chess Puzzle #4H8zP — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g6; rook a7; pawns c6/d5/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c1/c2; knight f7; pawn g4. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd6 — knight f7→d6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Nc8 (knight d6→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook a8→c8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/R4n2/2P3K1/3P4/6p1/6P1/2r4P/2r5 b - - 2 49

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