Chess Puzzle #2X3Qc — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c5; rooks e1/e5; pawns c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen b2; rooks c8/f8; pawns a6/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb4 — queen c5→b4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf2+ — queen b2→f2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
3. Best move: Qf1+ — queen f2→f1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf1 (rook e1→f1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r2r1k/7p/p5p1/2Q1R3/8/2P5/1q3PPP/4R1K1 w - - 1 27

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