Chess Puzzle #23YVu — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f3; bishop c6; pawns a2/c2/e5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen a3; rook b2; bishop a6; pawns a7/c7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxa3 — queen f3→a3, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b2→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Qc1 (queen a3→c1).
3. Best move: Rxc1# — rook b1→c1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p1p2p1p/b1B3p1/4P3/8/q4Q2/PrP2PPP/6K1 w - - 0 22

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