Chess Puzzle #2JK45 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen h4; rooks a1/g3; pawns a2/c2/c3/d4/f2/h2. Black: king h8; queen e6; rooks e8/f8; pawns a7/b7/c7/f6/f7/g2/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxg2 — rook g3→g2, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qe1+ — queen e6→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook a1→e1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe1# — rook e8→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4rr1k/ppp2p1p/4qp2/8/3P3Q/2P3R1/P1P2PpP/R5K1 w - - 0 24

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