Chess Puzzle #1UDw1 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f4; rooks a1/e1; bishop c1; knights b1/e5; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king e8; queen d8; rooks a8/h8; bishops e7/f5; knight e2; pawns a7/b7/c6/c7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe2 — rook e1→e2, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qd1+ — queen d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e2→e1).
3. Best move: Qxe1# — queen d1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r2qk2r/ppp1bppp/2p5/4Nb2/5Q2/8/PPP1nPPP/RNB1R1K1 w kq - 4 12

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.