Chess.com Daily Puzzle #2: Line Clearance Tactic

Now, it's time for the Chess.com daily puzzle. This one is also pretty easy and it involves the tactic called line clearance. The White king is in a very precarious and tight spot but it's not checkmate yet. However, Black can force the mate with the pretty neat line clearance tactic.

If Black were to form a battery on the first rank that would be too slow and White could just sacrifice one of his pieces to avoid an immediate mate. In fact, he might even be able to hold his position if Black didn't act right away. So in this case, Black should go all guns blazing and play Rxa3+, forcing White to make a decision, either of which would still lose for White.

Whether White takes the rook with the pawn or the rook, the end is the same. Only, if he were to take it with the king, the right follow-up would be Qa1#. And if he were to take with the pawn, as in this puzzle, the right move is Qb1#. Here's the simulator for you to check out: