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

Position

White: king g1; queen g3; rook f1; pawns b2/b5/f2/g2/g7/h2. Black: king c8; queen a1; rooks d8/g8; bishop e6; pawns c2/c6/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa1 — rook f1→a1, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook a1→d1, captures rook).
3. Best move: cxd1=Q# — pawn c2→d1, captures rook, promotes to queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, promotion, short. The combination ends with cxd1=Q# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2kr2r1/5pPp/2p1b3/1P6/8/6Q1/1Pp2PPP/q4RK1 w - - 0 23

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