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

Position

White: king h1; queen f4; rook f8; pawns a2/b2/c3/g2/h2. Black: king b6; queen b8; rook d7; knight c6; pawns b7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb8 — rook f8→b8, captures queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d7→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Qf1 (queen f4→f1).
3. Best move: Rxf1# — rook d1→f1, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1q3R2/1p1r3p/1kn3p1/8/5Q2/2P5/PP4PP/7K w - - 8 41

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