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

Position

White: king c1; queen g7; rooks b7/h1; knight c3; pawns a2/b2/c2/g2/h2. Black: king a8; queen f2; rooks d8/h8; pawns a7/e6/f6/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nb5 — knight c3→b5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qd2+ — queen f2→d2, gives check. Opponent replies Kb1 (king c1→b1).
3. Best move: Qd1+ — queen d2→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook h1→d1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, long, mate, mate in 3, middlegame, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: k2r3r/pR4Qp/4pp2/8/8/2N5/PPP2qPP/2K4R w - - 1 19

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