Chess Puzzle #4CSsV — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen c5; knights d4/f3; pawns a6/f2/g3/h4. Black: king h7; queen b1; rook d1; pawns d5/f6/g7/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a7 — pawn a6→a7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rh1+ — rook d1→h1, gives check. Opponent replies Kg2 (king h2→g2).
3. Best move: Qf1# — queen b1→f1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short, triangle mate. The combination ends with Qf1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/6pk/P4p2/2Qp3p/3N3P/5NP1/5P1K/1q1r4 w - - 1 40

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