Chess Puzzle #0al8h — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen h6; rook e1; pawns a2/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen a1; rooks d7/d8; pawns a7/b7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa1 — rook e1→a1, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d7→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook a1→d1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/pp1r1p1p/6pQ/8/8/1P6/P4PPP/q3R1K1 w - - 0 21

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