Chess Puzzle #1198E — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; queen c7; rook d1; pawns a2/b2/c4/d7/f2/g3. Black: king g7; queen g5; rook d8; knight d5; pawns a6/e5/f3/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd5 — rook d1→d5, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc1+ — queen g5→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d5→d1).
3. Best move: Qxd1# — queen c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r4/2QP1pkp/p7/3np1q1/2P5/5pP1/PP3P2/3R1K2 w - - 0 42

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