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

Position

White: king g1; queen b7; rooks d1/d6; pawns a2/b2/c3/e5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen h5; rooks a8/d8; bishop d7; pawns a6/b5/e6/f5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd7 — rook d6→d7, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxd1+ — queen h5→d1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook d7→d1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd1# — rook d8→d1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short, X-ray attack. The combination ends with Rxd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r2r2k1/1Q1b2pp/p2Rp3/1p2Pp1q/8/2P5/PP3PPP/3R2K1 w - - 11 23

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