Chess Puzzle #1Z25R — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b3; rooks a1/e6; pawns a2/d3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen c5; rooks d8/f8; pawns a7/b7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rae1 — rook a1→e1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf2+ — queen c5→f2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
3. Best move: Qf1+ — queen f2→f1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf1 (rook e1→f1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r1r1k/pp4pp/4R3/2q5/8/1Q1P4/P4PPP/R5K1 w - - 1 22

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