Chess Puzzle #1APEA — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d5; rook a1; knight f3; pawns a7/d4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h7; queen f4; rook a6; bishop c7; pawns f6/g7/h6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa6 — rook a1→a6, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc1+ — queen f4→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Qxe1# — queen c1→e1, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/P1b3pk/r4p1p/3Q4/3P1q2/5N1P/5PP1/R5K1 w - - 1 32

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