Chess Puzzle #0Fje7 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen h6; rook c1; pawns b3/e3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c8; rook a2; bishop f8; pawns a3/e4/f7/g6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc8 — rook c1→c8, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a2→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c8→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook a1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2q2bk1/5p2/6pQ/8/4p3/pP2P3/r5PP/2R4K w - - 0 37

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