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

Position

White: king g1; queen c8; rook a1; bishop b6; pawns b4/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h7; queen b2; pawns e5/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 9 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc7 — queen c8→c7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxa1+ — queen b2→a1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Qc1 (queen c7→c1).
3. Best move: Qxc1# — queen a1→c1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, hanging piece, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2Q5/5ppk/1B5p/4p3/1P2P3/8/1q3PPP/R5K1 w - - 2 35

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