08
Nov
Nov
Black must deliver mate in three moves after Rxa6. An expert-level chess puzzle to solve on the interactive board.
The Palace Journal
Mate in 3: puzzles for seasoned players
A step up from mate in 2, mate in 3 requires you to calculate further ahead: a first move that sets the scene, often a sacrifice or a quiet move, followed by a forced sequence that leaves the opposing king with no escape. Each puzzle is taken from a real game and is solved directly on the interactive chess board. Take your time to consider all the defences before playing. If you get stuck, review the classic patterns in our guide to checkmate or go back to basics in the Learn Chess section.
01
Nov
Nov
Black is to move with three moves to settle the game. Study the position and find the winning sequence.
30
Oct
Oct
Rook endgame with an exposed black king: can you find the forced mate in three moves on this interactive board?
25
Oct
Oct
White has three moves to force mate after Bf8. Can you find the combination before the black king falls?
23
Oct
Oct
White to play and mate in three: can the black king really escape its own back rank?
18
Oct
Oct
A mate in three to find in a tense endgame: can you spot the net closing around the white king?
16
Oct
Oct
Checkmate in 3 moves: Black sacrifices to break through White’s defence. Can you find the winning combination?
11
Oct
Oct
Mate in 3 with the white king cornered — can you find the forced sequence before it escapes?
09
Oct
Oct
White has just played Bxe8: can you find the mate in three that ends the game? Give the puzzle a try!
04
Oct
Oct
Checkmate in three in a queen endgame: can you trap Black’s king on its final square?
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