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

Position

White: king g1; queen h5; rook a1; knight c3; pawns a2/b2/c2/e4/g2/h2. Black: king e7; queen f6; rook f8; pawns b6/c6/d6/g7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd1 — rook a1→d1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qf2+ — queen f6→f2, 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: 5r2/4k1p1/1ppp1q2/7Q/4P3/2N5/PPP3PP/R5K1 w - - 1 23

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