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

Position

White: king h1; queen e3; rooks a1/e8; bishop g2; knight g3; pawns a2/b3/h3. Black: king g7; queen d7; rooks c2/d2; pawns a6/b7/d6/f7/g6/h5. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rg1 — rook a1→g1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxh3+ — queen d7→h3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Bxh3 (bishop g2→h3, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rh2# — rook d2→h2, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rh2# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4R3/1p1q1pk1/p2p2p1/7p/8/1P2Q1NP/P1rr2B1/R6K w - - 3 33

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