Chess Puzzle #2114N — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c2; rook c7; pawns a2/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d4; rook f8; pawns a7/b6/e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa7 — rook c7→a7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qa1+ — queen d4→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Qb1 (queen c2→b1).
3. Best move: Qxb1# — queen a1→b1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxb1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/p1R2pp1/1p2p2p/8/3qP3/8/P1Q2PPP/6K1 w - - 0 24

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