Chess Puzzle #GHwMG — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen a7; rook c1; knight b6; pawns a2/b2/g5/h6. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks c2/f2; pawns b4/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc2 — rook c1→c2, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rf1+ — rook f2→f1, gives check. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c2→c1).
3. Best move: Qd3+ — queen d8→d3, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b1→a1).
4. Best move: Rxc1# — rook f1→c1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, deflection, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxc1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3q2k1/Q4p1p/1N2p1pP/6P1/1p6/8/PPr2r2/1KR5 w - - 0 39

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.