Chess tactic

Deflection Puzzle (1447)

After the setup move Rae8, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rae8. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0VrUT

Rating

1447

Side to move

White

Themes

Deflection, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

4r1k1/1b2rppp/p7/1p3Q2/3q4/2N5/PP4PP/4RR1K w - - 2 22

What to look for

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

22. Qxf7+ 22... Rxf7 23. Rxe8+ 23... Rf8 24. Rfxf8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

21... Rae8 22. Qxf7+ 22... Rxf7 23. Rxe8+ 23... Rf8 24. Rfxf8#