Mate in 3

A logical try here is 1.Qxh2?, which pins the knight on c7, threatening 2.Rb1#. However, the counter-pin 1...Rh8! throws a spanner in the works. To address this issue, White needs to put a foreplan in place first.

The solution commences with the subtle 1.Qc2!, setting up the threat of 2.Qc6, which would lead to either 3.Qb7# or 2...Nxd5 3.Qxc8#. Black's only defence is 1...Rgg8, but now White executes their main idea: 2.Qxh2!, threatening 3.Rb1#. Unfortunately, the c8 rook can no longer come to the rescue. 2...Rcf8 (or indeed any move of the c8 rook) is answered by 3.Qxc7#.