Chess Puzzle #1S2mV — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen g4; rook c1; pawns b3/d4/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c6; rook a8; knight b6; pawns b4/d5/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook c1→c6, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ra1+ — rook a8→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c6→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1+ — rook a1→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Qd1 (queen g4→d1).
4. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/6p1/1nq2p1p/3p4/1p1P2Q1/1P2P3/5PPP/2R3K1 w - - 0 28

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