White to move and checkmate in 3.
2r2k2/4p3/4Rb2/3Q3p/1p3P2/p6P/1qn1NP1K/6R1 w – – 0 1
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Checkmate in 3
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White to move and checkmate in 3.
2r2k2/4p3/4Rb2/3Q3p/1p3P2/p6P/1qn1NP1K/6R1 w – – 0 1
Looks too simple or am I goofing it again?
1.Rxf6+ exf6
(1….Qxf6 2.Rg8#)
(1….Ke8 2.Rg8#)
2.Qe6 any
3.Rg8#
Should move rook with tempo, i.e. double threat:
1. Rc6!!
Threatens both Rxc8# and Rg8# (e.g. after Ke8).
Black must answer with e6 or e5.
1. … e6/e5
2. Q(x)e6!!
As simple as that!
No check yet. Just shrinking the rectangle between Q and g8, keeping king immobile and maintaining the double threat from last move!
A)
2. … Rxc6
3. Rg8#
B)
2. … Bg7/Bg5
3. Rxc8#
Rc6 e6
Qxe6 Bg6 or Rxc6
Rg8++ or Rxc8++
Rc6 e6
Qe6
I seem to remember this being posted just a couple of weeks ago, but can’t find it in my notes.
1. Rc6 does not work due to 1. …Bg5
Correct solution is
1. Rxf6+ exf6
(1. …Qxf6 2. Rg8#)
2. Qe6 any
3. Rg8#
It seems to be 2 solutions here, then.
Prof.Bhat’s solution with 1. Rxf6+ looks correct also.
I didn’t investigate that since Rc6 looked even better.
It’s the strength of 2. Qe6! that does it in both solutions.
@pht
I have to concur with Geoffrey Allen that Rc6 is not the correct solution (it mates, but in 4 moves instead of 3), because black (not being in check) can disrupt the activity of the g1 rook by playing Bg5.
I’ll concede however that your idea was elegant.