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

Position

White: king g1; queen c7; rook f1; pawns a2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen a1; rooks e2/e8; bishop c4; pawns a7/c5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa1 — rook f1→a1, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e2→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook a1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p1Q2ppp/8/2p5/2b5/8/P1P1rPPP/q4RK1 w - - 0 18

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