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

Position

White: king g1; queen b3; rook a1; pawns a3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; queen c5; rook f8; pawns a5/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd1 — rook a1→d1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf2+ — queen c5→f2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
3. Best move: Qf1+ — queen f2→f1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf1 (rook d1→f1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r2/6kp/6p1/p1q5/8/PQ6/5PPP/R5K1 w - - 4 34

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