Mate Puzzle (1967)

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

Position after O-O-O. White to move.

Puzzle ID

02I6H

Rating

1967

Side to move

White

Themes

Mate, Mate in 3, Middlegame

Material

Black is ahead by 8 points

FEN

2kr2nr/pp1b1ppp/2nB4/1B1N4/Q2P4/7P/Pq1NKP2/8 w - - 2 16

What to look for

Calculate a forcing checkmate sequence.

16. Nb6+ 16... axb6 17. Qa8+ 17... Nb8 18. Qxb8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

15... O-O-O 16. Nb6+ 16... axb6 17. Qa8+ 17... Nb8 18. Qxb8#