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

Position

White: king g1; queen g3; rooks a1/e5; knight d5; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c2; rooks d8/f8; pawns a6/b7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb3 — queen g3→b3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf2+ — queen c2→f2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
3. Best move: Qf1+ — queen f2→f1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf1 (rook a1→f1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, long, mate, mate in 3, middlegame, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r1rk1/1p5p/p5p1/3NR3/8/6Q1/PPq2PPP/R5K1 w - - 1 23

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