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

Rating 595 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short.

Position

White: king g1; queen a6; rook f1; pawns a4/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d5; rook d8; pawns c4/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rc1 — rook f1→c1. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Qd1+ — queen d5→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook c1→d1, captures queen).
  3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/5pp1/Q6p/3q4/P1p5/4P3/5PPP/5RK1 w - - 0 29

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.