Chess tactic

Deflection Puzzle (1868)

After the setup move fxe5, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after fxe5. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0ltg8

Rating

1868

Side to move

White

Themes

Deflection, Mate, Mate in 4

Material

Black is ahead by 5 points

FEN

2rqr1k1/pp4p1/1nb1p1P1/3np2Q/3P4/8/PP1N1PP1/R4RK1 w - - 0 21

What to look for

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

21. Qh7+ 21... Kf8 22. Qh8+ 22... Ke7 23. Qxg7+ 23... Kd6 24. Ne4#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

20... fxe5 21. Qh7+ 21... Kf8 22. Qh8+ 22... Ke7 23. Qxg7+ 23... Kd6 24. Ne4#