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

Position

White: king g1; queen c5; rook f2; bishop c2; pawns a2/c3/d6/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen g5; rook f8; pawns a7/e5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d7 — pawn d6→d7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc1+ — queen g5→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Bd1 (bishop c2→d1).
3. Best move: Qxd1+ — queen c1→d1, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Rf1 (rook f2→f1).
4. Best move: Rxf1# — rook f8→f1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/p5pp/3P4/2Q1p1q1/8/2P5/P1B2RPP/6K1 w - - 1 25

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