Chess Puzzle #1SDa5 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c2; rook a7; pawns a2/b3/e3/f2/g3/h3. Black: king g8; queen c6; rook d8; pawns b6/c5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qf5 — queen c2→f5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Kh2 (king g1→h2).
3. Best move: Qh1# — queen c6→h1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qh1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/R4ppp/1pq5/2p5/8/1P2P1PP/P1Q2P2/6K1 w - - 1 32

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