Chess Puzzle #0UGS3 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d8; rooks a1/d2; pawns a2/b3/d6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen e5; rook c4; bishop f8; pawns f6/g6/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: bxc4 — pawn b3→c4, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxa1+ — queen e5→a1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d2→d1).
3. Best move: Qxd1# — queen a1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, hanging piece, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3Q1bk1/7p/3P1pp1/4q3/2r5/1P6/P2R1PPP/R5K1 w - - 0 31

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