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

Position

White: king g1; queen b3; rooks c1/c8; pawns b4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; queen d4; rooks d1/d7; pawns a5/a6/e4/f5/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd1 — rook c1→d1, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxd1+ — queen d4→d1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Qxd1 (queen b3→d1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d7→d1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2R5/3r2k1/p6p/p4pp1/1P1qp3/1Q6/5PPP/2Rr2K1 w - - 5 37

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