Chess tactic

Deflection Puzzle (1649)

After the setup move Rf1, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rf1. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0YPSB

Rating

1649

Side to move

Black

Themes

Deflection, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

White is ahead by 4 points

FEN

5r1k/p5pp/1pR5/3Q4/3P4/2P3N1/P1Pq1r1P/5RK1 b - - 2 23

What to look for

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

23... Rxf1+ 24. Nxf1 24... Qf2+ 25. Kh1 25... Qxf1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

23. Rf1 23... Rxf1+ 24. Nxf1 24... Qf2+ 25. Kh1 25... Qxf1#