Chess Puzzle #1sT2u — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen f1; knight h6; pawns a3/b4/c4/f4/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen g6; bishop e3; pawns a7/b6/c5/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qf3 — queen f1→f3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qb1+ — queen g6→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Qd1 (queen f3→d1).
3. Best move: Qxd1# — queen b1→d1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/p6p/1p4qN/2p5/1PP2P2/P3b3/6PP/5Q1K w - - 1 36

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.