Mate in 3 chess puzzles

Play and solve mate-in-three-moves chess puzzles. You’ll find solutions and historical details and you can play each puzzle live against the computer.

diagram of Georg Marco vs Herbert Trenchard chess puzzle

Georg Marco vs Herbert Trenchard

In Vienna, 1898, Georg Marco faced Herbert Trenchard in a game that concluded with a swift mating net. Find the three moves that allow White to finish the game.

diagram of William Steinitz vs Henry Bird chess puzzle

William Steinitz vs Henry Bird

In London 1866, the English player Henry Bird faced off against the legendary William Steinitz. Find the three-move checkmate that secured a victory for Black in this historic meeting.

diagram of John Nunn vs Miroslaw Sarwinski chess puzzle

John Nunn vs Miroslaw Sarwinski

During their 1987 meeting in Naleczow, John Nunn found a way to navigate the defenses of Miroslaw Sarwinski. White holds a forced mate in three to conclude the game.

diagram of Janos Balogh vs Geza Maroczy chess puzzle

Janos Balogh vs Geza Maroczy

In Gyor during 1924, Hungarian-Romanian master Janos Balogh faced Geza Maroczy in a memorable game. Find the three moves that lead to a forced mate for White.

diagram of Bogdan Lalic vs A Summerscale chess puzzle

Bogdan Lalic vs A Summerscale

In Hastings 1993, Bogdan Lalic faced A Summerscale in a game that concludes with a beautiful mating pattern. White finds a way to finish the game in just three moves.

diagram of Walter Browne vs Jaime Sunye Neto chess puzzle

Walter Browne vs Jaime Sunye Neto

In Linares 1994, American Grandmaster Walter Browne found a way to finish the game against Jaime Sunye Neto. Can you find the three moves that lead to checkmate?

diagram of Dimitrij Bunzmann vs Thies Heinemann chess puzzle

Dimitrij Bunzmann vs Thies Heinemann

In 2007, Dimitrij Bunzmann faced Thies Heinemann in Germany in a game that led to a beautiful mate in three. See if you can find the winning finish for White.

diagram of Max Euwe vs Lohr chess puzzle

Max Euwe vs Lohr

In Amsterdam 1923, Max Euwe faced Lohr in a game that concludes with a beautiful mating pattern. Find the three moves that secure the win for White.