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

Rating 1197 · Beginner · back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice.

Position

White: king b1; queen g3; rook h1; pawns a2/b2/d4/e5/f4/h5. Black: king g8; queen d2; rook c8; pawns a6/b5/e6/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rg1 — rook h1→g1. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Qc2+ — queen d2→c2, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b1→a1).
  3. Best move: Qc1+ — queen c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook g1→c1, captures queen).
  4. Best move: Rxc1# — rook c8→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/6p1/p3p2p/1p2P2P/3P1P2/6Q1/PP1q4/1K5R w - - 5 31

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.