Chess tactic

Endgame Puzzle (909)

After the setup move Rxc2, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxc2. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0GSla

Rating

909

Side to move

White

Themes

Endgame, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

Material is level

FEN

r5k1/1p2Rp1p/p4qp1/8/1Q1pR3/1P1P3P/1Pr2PP1/6K1 w - - 0 25

What to look for

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

25. Re8+ 25... Rxe8 26. Rxe8+ 26... Kg7 27. Qf8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

24... Rxc2 25. Re8+ 25... Rxe8 26. Rxe8+ 26... Kg7 27. Qf8#