Chess Puzzle #4h4m9 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen d4; rooks f5/h1; pawns a2/b2/f3/g2/h7. Black: king h8; queen c7; rooks a6/c8; pawns a5/b4/f6/g6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd5 — rook f5→d5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc2+ — queen c7→c2, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b1→a1).
3. Best move: Qc1+ — queen c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook h1→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: 2r4k/2q4P/r4pp1/p4R2/1p1Q4/5P2/PP4P1/1K5R w - - 0 32

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