(1) Nightmates
15.10.2009
[Reeh,Oliver]

In this position, which for some reason kept yours truly awake some nights ago, all three assessments are true! Black can checkmate with

1...Qg2+!
[Otherwise the tables are turned: 1...Rxa6 2.Qd8+! Kxd8 3.Rb8+ Qc8 4.Rd1+ Bd7 5.Rxd7+ Ke8 6.Rxc8# ; or the mirror variation 1...Bxc6 2.Rb8+ Kxb8 3.Qd8+ Qc8 4.Rb1+ Bb7 5.Rxb7+ and the inevitable QxQc8 mate!]

2.Kxg2 Bxc6+
and since the pawn f2 is pinned by the rook on a2, White only has

3.Kg1
(or the pointless 3.Qd5 Bxd5+ first) which is followed by

3...Nh3# *