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 Levon Aronian vs Alexander Grischuk chess puzzle

Levon Aronian vs Alexander Grischuk

In this position from a Mexico City 2007 game, Levon Aronian has a mate in three against Alexander Grischuk. Hint: it involves a promotion.

diagram of Paul Motwani vs Kevin Wicker chess puzzle

Paul Motwani vs Kevin Wicker

In Southampton, 1986, Paul Motwani found a way to finish the game against Kevin Wicker. White has a mate in three to conclude this quiet affair.

diagram of Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Anna Ushenina chess puzzle

Alexandra Kosteniuk vs Anna Ushenina

Alexandra Kosteniuk found a way to finish the game against Anna Ushenina in just three moves. This puzzle captures a sharp moment from their meeting in Belarus.

diagram of Joseph Blackburne vs Smith chess puzzle

Joseph Blackburne vs Smith

In an 1882 simultaneous exhibition, Joseph Blackburne faced off against Smith. This puzzle invites you to find the mating net that Black could not escape.

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.