Chess Puzzle #1a8cp — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen g3; rooks a1/h3; bishops b3/c1; pawns a2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d4; rooks a8/d8; bishop e2; pawns a7/c6/c7/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c3 — pawn c2→c3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qd1+ — queen d4→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Bxd1 (bishop b3→d1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r2r2k1/p1p2ppp/2p1p3/8/3q4/1B4QR/P1P1bPPP/R1B3K1 w - - 0 19

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