Sam Loyd — The Steinitz Gambit: Mate in 3

Objective: White to move. Find the unique first move that forces checkmate in no more than three moves.

Position and task condition

The most natural moves fail. The solution to this famous composition was deliberately designed to look like a move no sensible player should ever make. Do not search only for checks and immediate threats.

Theme: quiet king move • mate in 3 • promotion • multiple defenses

Checkmate — Novelty Tourney, 1st Prize

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