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

Position

White: king g1; queen f3; rooks c1/d1; pawns a2/c4/d6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen e5; rooks d8/e8; pawns a7/b6/c5/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd5 — rook d1→d5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qe1+ — queen e5→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook c1→e1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3rr1k1/p4ppp/1p1P4/2p1q3/2P5/5Q2/P4PPP/2RR2K1 w - - 1 23

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