Chess Puzzle #4dKnb — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rooks c8/f1; knights e6/g2; pawns a3/f5/g6/h3. Black: king h6; queen b2; bishops e7/e8; knights f3/f6; pawns a6/b7/e4/g7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd7 — bishop e8→d7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook c8→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Nh7 (knight f6→h7).
3. Best move: Rxh7# — rook h8→h7, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxh7# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2R1b3/1p2b1p1/p3NnPk/5P2/4p3/P4n1P/1q4N1/5R1K b - - 2 36

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