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

Position

White: king h1; rook f1; bishop e4; knight d5; pawns a6/b5/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks c2/f2; bishop g7; pawns d6/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf2 — rook f1→f2, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f2→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook c1→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/6bp/P2p2p1/1P1N4/4B3/8/2r2rPP/5R1K w - - 0 34

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