Chess tactic

Endgame Puzzle (1431)

After the setup move Ka4, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Ka4. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0g0w5

Rating

1431

Side to move

White

Themes

Endgame, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

8/pb5p/1p4p1/5p2/k6P/2Q1NqP1/P4P2/6K1 w - - 4 45

What to look for

A tactic from a reduced-material position where king activity and promotion threats matter.

45. Qb3+ 45... Ka5 46. Nc4+ 46... Ka6 47. Qa4#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

44... Ka4 45. Qb3+ 45... Ka5 46. Nc4+ 46... Ka6 47. Qa4#