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

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; bishops a4/a7; pawns a3/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f8; rooks c8/e8; bishop d6; pawns b7/f6/g5/h6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe8 — bishop a4→e8, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c8→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Qe1 (queen e4→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook c1→e1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r1rk2/Bp6/3b1p1p/6p1/B3Q3/P7/1P3PPP/6K1 w - - 7 31

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