Chess Puzzle #17Qxp — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; rooks e3/f1; pawns a2/b2/d4/e5/g4/h3. Black: king e8; rook c7; knight e4; pawns a7/b6/d5/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc1 — rook f1→c1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nd2+ — knight e4→d2, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b1→a1).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook c7→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/p1r2p1p/1p4p1/3pP3/3Pn1P1/4R2P/PP6/1K3R2 w - - 2 33

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