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

Position

White: king f1; queen a5; rook c1; pawns a2/c5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d5; rook d4; pawns b7/c7/f6/f7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxc7 — queen a5→c7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d4→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook c1→d1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxd1# — queen d5→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1pp2p1p/5p2/Q1Pq4/3r4/7P/P4PP1/2R2K2 w - - 0 27

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