Chess Puzzle #1Do3D — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d6; rook a1; bishop f4; pawns d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king e8; queen c1; rooks c3/c8; bishop b7; pawns d5/e6/f7/h6. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxc1 — bishop f4→c1, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc1+ — rook c3→c1, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook a1→c1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook c8→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2r1k3/1b3p2/3Qp2p/3p4/3P1B2/2r5/5PPP/R1q3K1 w - - 0 42

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