Chess tactic

Deflection Puzzle (1135)

After the setup move Bxh3, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Bxh3. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0COtS

Rating

1135

Side to move

Black

Themes

Deflection, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

White is ahead by 5 points

FEN

8/1Q4bk/6pp/4pp2/2P3n1/2NPP1PB/1B1qP2P/6K1 b - - 0 31

What to look for

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

31... Qe1+ 32. Bf1 32... Qf2+ 33. Kh1 33... Qxf1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

31. Bxh3 31... Qe1+ 32. Bf1 32... Qf2+ 33. Kh1 33... Qxf1#