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Mate in 3: deflection on a8

li-0C9TM
Puzzle rating: 2224Theme: Deflection: force the defender to abandon its post.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

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The tactical motive

Deflection: force the defender to abandon its post.

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

39. Ra8+ Kd7 40. Nf8+ Ke7 41. Rxc7#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: knight to f8 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to c7 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kd7, then Nf8+ and you stay on top.

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