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

Position

White: king g1; queen c3; rook d1; pawns a3/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen e5; rook e8; pawns a7/b6/f5/g6/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc6 — queen c3→c6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qe1+ — queen e5→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook d1→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: 4r1k1/p6p/1p4p1/4qp2/8/P1Q5/1P3PPP/3R2K1 w - - 2 31

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