Chess Puzzle #0Q172 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen e7; rook d1; knight e3; pawns a2/b3/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen f4; rook f8; pawns a7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd7 — rook d1→d7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qf1+ — queen f4→f1, gives check. Opponent replies Nxf1 (knight e3→f1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/p3Q1pp/8/8/5q2/1P2N3/P5PP/3R3K w - - 5 30

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