Chess Puzzle #15O3N — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen g3; rooks c6/d1; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen f5; rook f8; bishop g7; pawns e4/h5. White is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qg6 — queen g3→g6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf2+ — queen f5→f2, captures pawn, 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: 5r1k/6b1/2R5/5q1p/4p3/6Q1/PP3PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 30

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