Chess tactic

Deflection Puzzle (1479)

After the setup move Rde8, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rde8. White to move.

Puzzle ID

063io

Rating

1479

Side to move

White

Themes

Deflection, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

Material is level

FEN

2b1r1k1/ppq1rppp/3p4/2pP4/2P5/1P1P2PP/P3RQBK/5R2 w - - 3 24

What to look for

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

24. Qxf7+ 24... Rxf7 25. Rxe8+ 25... Rf8 26. Rfxf8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

23... Rde8 24. Qxf7+ 24... Rxf7 25. Rxe8+ 25... Rf8 26. Rfxf8#