What is a mate in 3 puzzle?

A position where you can force checkmate in three of your moves, against any defence.

How do I calculate three moves ahead?

One line at a time: your move, the toughest reply, your next move. Start moving only once the line ends in mate.

Start with mate in 1 and mate in 2. The first puzzles here are gentler, and the hint helps.

Three moves to mate. The calculation is the puzzle.

By Nethanel Bar, Co-founder & CEO

Last updated October 17, 2026

Puzzle 1 of 20Rating 568

0 of 20 solved

Every puzzle in this set

Three moves, two replies. Solve the whole line in your head before the first move; if you get stuck, the hint shows the next move.

What is a mate in 3 puzzle?: A position where you can force checkmate in three of your moves, against any defence.
How do I calculate three moves ahead?: One line at a time: your move, the toughest reply, your next move. Start moving only once the line ends in mate.
Are mate in 3 puzzles too hard for beginners?: Start with mate in 1 and mate in 2. The first puzzles here are gentler, and the hint helps.