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

Position

White: king g1; queen g4; rooks a1/f1; pawns a2/b2/c2/e5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks f7/f8; bishop e3; pawns a7/b7/c6/e4/g7. White is ahead by 7 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh1 — king g1→h1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxf1+ — rook f7→f1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf1 (rook a1→f1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/pp3rp1/2p5/4P3/4p1Q1/4b3/PPP3PP/R4RK1 w - - 0 23

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