Chess Puzzle #2DoA4 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d4; knights c4/e5; pawns a2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king e7; rook d5; bishop f5; pawns a6/b7/e6/f6/g6/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc3 — queen d4→c3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d5→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Qe1 (queen c3→e1).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook d1→e1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p2k2p/p3ppp1/3rNb2/2NQ4/8/P4PPP/6K1 w - - 2 29

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