Chess Puzzle #0fhSB — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 987 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen endgame, short.

Position

White: king h1; queen b1; pawns a2/b4/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen d4; rook c2; pawns a6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Qxc2 — queen b1→c2, captures rook. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Qa1+ — queen d4→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Qb1 (queen c2→b1).
  3. Best move: Qxb1# — queen a1→b1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen endgame, short. The combination ends with Qxb1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/6p1/p6p/8/1P1q4/8/P1r3PP/1Q5K w - - 0 45

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.