Chess Puzzle #3RVNs — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen f8; rook d1; pawns a2/b2/c2/f4/g2. Black: king b7; queen g6; rook c7; pawns b6/f7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qd6 — queen f8→d6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc2+ — queen g6→c2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b1→a1).
3. Best move: Qc1+ — queen c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook d1→c1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxc1# — rook c7→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: 5Q2/1kr2p1p/1p4q1/8/5P2/8/PPP3P1/1K1R4 w - - 0 34

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