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Mating attacks in three moves

Level: Class E (1000–1200)Topic: Checkmates30 minutes

In short

Three-move mates usually combine a sacrifice that opens the king with checks that drive it into a net. The first move is often the hardest to find, because it gives up material.

By the end you can

The lesson

Three-move mates usually combine a sacrifice that opens the king with checks that drive it into a net. The first move is often the hardest to find, because it gives up material.

Work backwards: picture the final mating position, then ask which moves force the king there. This “final picture” method is how strong players find long combinations.

Key points to remember

Examples

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Example 1 (Black to move). Mate in three. (Lichess puzzle 0kmQb, rated 1066)
Show the solution

26... Qxc2+ 27. Ka1 Qc1+ 28. Rxc1 Rxc1#

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Example 2 (Black to move). Mate in three — find the final picture first. (Lichess puzzle 0mKKR, rated 1086)
Show the solution

17... Qxf2+ 18. Kh1 Qf1+ 19. Rxf1 Rxf1#

Practise it

Solve puzzles on this idea: mate in 3 puzzles, mate in 2 puzzles.

Homework

10 mate-in-three puzzles, solved fully before moving.

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