Chess Puzzle #0AJJM — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen a3; rooks e1/e3; bishop c5; pawns a2/b2/c2/f3/g2/h2. Black: king d7; queen c6; rooks a8/c8; bishop d4; pawns a4/d5/e6/g6/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd4 — bishop c5→d4, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc2+ — queen c6→c2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b1→a1).
3. Best move: Qc1+ — queen c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook e1→c1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxc1# — rook c8→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, long, mate, mate in 3, middlegame, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r1r5/3k4/2q1p1p1/2Bp3p/p2b4/Q3RP2/PPP3PP/1K2R3 w - - 0 24

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