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

Position

White: king g1; queen b1; rooks a3/f1; pawns a5/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h7; queen e2; rooks c2/e3; pawns c5/f7/g6/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb7 — queen b1→b7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf1+ — queen e2→f1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf1 (king g1→f1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rc1# — rook c2→c1, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

attraction, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p1k/6pp/P1p5/8/R1P1r3/2r1qPPP/1Q3RK1 w - - 0 27

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