Chess tactic

Deflection Puzzle (1125)

After the setup move Rxa1, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxa1. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0QuO4

Rating

1125

Side to move

Black

Themes

Deflection, Mate, Mate in 2

Material

White is ahead by 5 points

FEN

r4knR/1pp1qpp1/6P1/6P1/4p3/4P1N1/1KPP4/R6Q b - - 0 26

What to look for

Remove or distract a defender from a critical square or piece.

26... Qb4+ 27. Kc1 27... Rxa1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

26. Rxa1 26... Qb4+ 27. Kc1 27... Rxa1#