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

Position

White: king f1; queen g2; rook c1; knight c5; pawns a3/b4/e3/f2. Black: king g8; queen h5; rook d8; pawns a6/b7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxb7 — knight c5→b7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook c1→d1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxd1# — queen h5→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/1p3ppp/p7/2N4q/1P6/P3P3/5PQ1/2R2K2 w - - 0 29

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