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

Position

White: king d2; queen a2; rooks f1/f2; pawns d4/e3/h3. Black: king e7; queen e4; rook c8; bishops d6/f3; pawns a6/b5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf3 — rook f2→f3, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Bb4+ — bishop d6→b4, gives check. Opponent replies Ke2 (king d2→e2).
3. Best move: Rc2+ — rook c8→c2, gives check. Opponent replies Qxc2 (queen a2→c2, captures rook).
4. Best move: Qxc2# — queen e4→c2, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, fork, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Qxc2# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/4k1pp/p2b4/1p6/3Pq3/4Pb1P/Q2K1R2/5R2 w - - 8 36

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