Chess tactic

Deflection Puzzle (1885)

After the setup move Re7, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Re7. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0EHIa

Rating

1885

Side to move

White

Themes

Deflection, Endgame, Mate

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

2R2R2/2p1r2k/pr5p/2p1N1p1/3pP1P1/nP1P2K1/2P5/8 w - - 14 43

What to look for

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

43. Rh8+ 43... Kg7 44. Rcg8+ 44... Kf6 45. Rxh6+ 45... Kxe5 46. Rxg5#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

42... Re7 43. Rh8+ 43... Kg7 44. Rcg8+ 44... Kf6 45. Rxh6+ 45... Kxe5 46. Rxg5#