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

Position

White: king g1; queen g3; rook d1; bishops f4/f5; pawns a2/b3/e5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c8; rooks c1/d8; bishop g7; pawns a6/b5/e7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc1 — rook d1→c1, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc1+ — queen c8→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Bxc1 (bishop f4→c1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rd1# — rook d8→d1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2qr2k1/4ppbp/p5p1/1p2PB2/5B2/1P4Q1/P4PPP/2rR2K1 w - - 0 22

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.