Chess Puzzle #1jd8B — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rook a1; bishop h4; pawns a3/b2/c3/d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c8; queen e6; rook e8; bishop d6; pawns a7/b7/c7/f4/f7/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxh5 — queen d1→h5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qe1+ — queen e6→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook a1→e1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2k1r3/ppp2p2/3bq3/7p/3P1p1B/P1P5/1P3PPP/R2Q2K1 w - - 0 20

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