Chess tactic

Deflection Puzzle (1271)

After the setup move gxh6, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after gxh6. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0cw8z

Rating

1271

Side to move

White

Themes

Deflection, Mate, Mate in 2

Material

Black is ahead by 4 points

FEN

4nr1k/1q3r2/p4pQp/1ppNp3/4P3/P2P2RP/1PP3P1/6K1 w - - 0 38

What to look for

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

38. Qxh6+ 38... Rh7 39. Qxf8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

37... gxh6 38. Qxh6+ 38... Rh7 39. Qxf8#