Chess Puzzle #2Epm1 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; rook f1; bishop b2; pawns a2/b3/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c8; rooks c1/d8; bishop e7; pawns a7/b7/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc1 — rook f1→c1, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc1+ — queen c8→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Bxc1 (bishop b2→c1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rd1# — rook d8→d1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2qr2k1/pp2bppp/4p3/8/4Q3/1P2P3/PB3PPP/2r2RK1 w - - 0 19

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