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

Position

White: king g1; queen c6; rook e1; pawns a3/c2/c4/d3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h7; queen c3; bishop e6; knight b6; pawns a6/c7/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re2 — rook e1→e2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qa1+ — queen c3→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e2→e1).
3. Best move: Qxe1# — queen a1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/2p2ppk/pnQ1b2p/8/2P5/P1qP4/2P2PPP/4R1K1 w - - 1 23

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