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

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; knights f3/f4; pawns a5/b4/d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; rooks b3/c3; pawns a6/b7/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c1→c3, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b3→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c3→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1+ — rook b1→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
4. Best move: Rxe1# — rook c1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p3pkp/p5p1/P7/1P1P1N2/1rr2N2/5PPP/2R3K1 w - - 0 38

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