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

Position

White: king h1; queen e6; rooks c1/e1; pawns a3/c3/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen f1; rooks f4/f8; knight d2; pawns b7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf1 — rook e1→f1, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxf1+ — rook f4→f1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf1 (rook c1→f1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/1p4pp/4Q3/8/5r2/P1P5/3n2PP/2R1Rq1K w - - 1 34

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