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

Position

White: king g2; queen e4; rooks a1/f1; bishop c1; pawns a2/b2/c2/d3. Black: king e8; queen h5; rook f3; bishop g3; pawns a7/c7/e5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf3 — rook f1→f3, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qh2+ — queen h5→h2, gives check. Opponent replies Kf1 (king g2→f1).
3. Best move: Qh1+ — queen h2→h1, gives check. Opponent replies Ke2 (king f1→e2).
4. Best move: Qe1# — queen h1→e1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, exposed king, long, mate, mate in 3, swallowstail mate. The combination ends with Qe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/p1p3pp/8/4p2q/4Q3/3P1rb1/PPP3K1/R1B2R2 w - - 0 21

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