Chess Puzzle #02nTH — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b7; rook e1; bishop g5; knight f3; pawns a3/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f7; queen c5; rook d8; bishop g7; knight c6; pawns a7/e7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc1 — rook e1→c1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc1+ — queen c5→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Bxc1 (bishop g5→c1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
4. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, fork, long, master, mate, mate in 3, middlegame, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/pQ2pkbp/2n3p1/2q3B1/8/P4N2/1P3PPP/4R1K1 w - - 0 24

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