Chess Puzzle #12ZBS — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; bishops d2/d3; knight g5; pawns a3/b2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; rook e8; bishop f4; pawns a4/b7/d4/f5/g6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxf4 — bishop d2→f4, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e8→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Bf1 (bishop d3→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook e1→f1, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r3/1p4k1/6p1/5pN1/p2p1b2/P2B4/1P1B2PP/7K w - - 0 39

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