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

Position

White: king b1; queen g4; rooks b3/g1; pawns a2/b2/c2/d6/h4. Black: king g8; queen f2; rooks c8/f8; pawns a7/f6/f7/g6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h5 — pawn h4→h5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc2+ — queen f2→c2, captures pawn, 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: 2r2rk1/p4p2/3P1pp1/8/6QP/1R6/PPP2q2/1K4R1 w - - 2 25

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