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

Position

White: king g1; queen c3; rook a1; pawns a2/c5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen f6; rooks e2/e8; pawns c6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxf6 — queen c3→f6, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e2→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook a1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/5p1p/2p2qp1/2P5/8/2Q5/P3rPPP/R5K1 w - - 0 23

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