Chess Puzzle #CL40j — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen f2; rook h3; pawns a2/b2/c2/g7. Black: king g8; queen e7; rook d8; pawns a6/b5/g6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b3 — pawn b2→b3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qa3+ — queen e7→a3, gives check. Opponent replies Kb1 (king c1→b1).
3. Best move: Rd1# — rook d8→d1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rd1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/4q1P1/p5p1/1p6/8/7R/PPP2Q2/2K5 w - - 0 34

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