Chess Puzzle #03fg2 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; pawns c5/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; queen c3; rook a2; pawns c6/f5/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c1→c3, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a2→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c3→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook a1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/6kp/2p3p1/2P2p2/8/2q1P3/r4PPP/2R3K1 w - - 0 33

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