Chess Puzzle #5Kssb — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; queen g8; rook h1; bishop d3; pawns e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h6; rook a2; bishops d2/d7; knight e4; pawns d5/e5/e6/h4/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe4 — bishop d3→e4, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Bb5+ — bishop d7→b5, gives check. Opponent replies Bd3 (bishop e4→d3).
3. Best move: Bxd3+ — bishop b5→d3, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Kg1 (king f1→g1).
4. Best move: Ra1# — rook a2→a1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, master, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Ra1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6Q1/3b3p/4p2k/3pp3/4n2p/3BP3/r2b1PPP/5K1R w - - 0 28

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