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

Position

White: king g1; queen c7; rook c1; bishop d6; pawns a2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d4; rooks d8/f8; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxf8 — bishop d6→f8, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qd1+ — queen d4→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook c1→d1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r1rk1/p1Q2ppp/3B4/8/3q4/8/P4PPP/2R3K1 w - - 3 25

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