Chess Puzzle #21ptG — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d1; pawns a3/d5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d3; rook c2; pawns d6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd3 — rook d1→d3, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d3→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook c1→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5pp1/3p3p/3P4/8/P2q4/2r2PPP/3R2K1 w - - 0 29

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