Chess Puzzle #03QMx — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen d6; rook f6; pawns a2/b2/c2/h2. Black: king h8; queen f7; rook g2; pawns a7/c5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f6→f7, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rg1+ — rook g2→g1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f7→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1+ — rook g1→f1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Qd1 (queen d6→d1).
4. Best move: Rxd1# — rook f1→d1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, queen rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/p4q2/3Q1R1p/2p5/8/8/PPP3rP/1K6 w - - 0 39

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