Chess Puzzle #0QvkZ — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen c5; rooks b3/h1; pawns a2/b2/c2/g2/g3. Black: king b7; queen d6; rooks b6/d8; pawns a7/c7/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc4 — queen c5→c4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qd2+ — queen d6→d2, gives check. Opponent replies Kb1 (king c1→b1).
3. Best move: Qd1+ — queen d2→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook h1→d1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/pkp5/1r1q3p/2Q3p1/8/1R4P1/PPP3P1/2K4R w - - 3 26

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