Réti's queen sacrifice is lesson 10 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 1: classic traps, an opening course suited to players rated around 900 (beginners). Caro-Kann Defence, B15. A queen sacrifice and mate in three, from Réti against Tartakower. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
This is Richard Réti against Savielly Tartakower, Vienna 1910. Black just took your knight on e4. Black's king is still on e8, and your rook on d1 stands behind the bishop on d2. This exact position is rare on Lichess, but the idea comes up again and again.
Qd8 check! The queen gives herself. After Kxd8, the bishop moves with a double check.
After Kxd8, Bg5 is a double check from the bishop and the rook. If Kc7, Bd8 is mate. If Ke8, Rd8 is mate.
Recap.
A rook behind a bishop on one file sets up a discovered check.
Qd8 check drags the king to d8.
The bishop moves with double check.
Then Bd8 or Rd8 is mate.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Caro-Kann Defence, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black just grabbed your knight. Your rook on d1 is behind the bishop. Give your queen with check.
After the double check, the king goes back to e8. Mate it in one.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Caro-Kann Defence, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers Nxe4. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black just grabbed your knight. Your rook on d1 is behind the bishop. Give your queen with check. That is Réti's mate. Qd8 check, Kxd8, Bg5 double check, Kc7, Bd8 mate.
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