Puzzle #12: Mate in 3
Rating ≈ 1600 · 3 moves to find
Black to move and mate in 3.
Show a hint
Start with the most forcing moves: checks first.
Show the solution
- 18… Qa3+ — the queen goes to a3 with check.
- 19. Kb1 is forced: it is the best way out of check.
- 19… Qa1+ — the queen goes to a1 with check.
- 20. Kc2 is the only legal move.
- 20… Qb2# — the queen goes to b2 — checkmate.
Why it works. Every move in the line is forcing, so the defender never gets time to organise a defence.
Themes: Mate in 3
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This position comes from a training game and was checked with a chess engine: every move you need to find is the only one that works.