Test your chess: daily chess puzzle # 238

White to play and win : mate in three

By contrast to yesterday's mate in six, which I think isn't worth finding, this definitely is worth solving, and is pleasing to do so.

FH Nel v A Broeksma 1974

Solution

Having tried various biffs, such as 1 Bh6, and the pretty 1 Qh8+, which works against 1…Nh8? because or 2 Bd6++ Kg8[] 3 Rf8 mate, but fails to 1…Ke7: fails in terms of not being a mate in three. So, reverse the moves/examine all biffs, and 1 Bd6+!! comes to mind, and it all falls into place. If the bishop is taken, 2 Qh8+ forces 2…Ke7[] when because d6 is now blocked by a piece, 3 Rf7 is mate.

Pretty.

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