Chess Puzzle #2Nmt1 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen d5; rooks a1/e1; pawns a2/b2/d4/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen f4; rooks e8/f3; bishop e2; pawns a7/d6/f5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe2 — rook e1→e2, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rf1+ — rook f3→f1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf1 (rook a1→f1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxf1# — queen f4→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/p5pp/3p4/3Q1p2/3P1q2/5r2/PP2b1PP/R3R2K w - - 0 23

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.