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

Position

White: king g1; queen f7; rooks b1/h1; bishop g6; pawns b3/e3/e5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king d8; queen a2; rooks c3/h8; knight e8; pawns a7/b7/d5/e6/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qf4 — queen f7→f4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxb1+ — queen a2→b1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Bxb1 (bishop g6→b1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rc1# — rook c3→c1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3kn2r/pp3Q2/4p1Bp/3pP3/8/1Pr1P3/q4PPP/1R4KR w - - 7 24

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