Selfmate in 3

Once again, we find ourselves in Fata Morgana territory. If White could simply pass, Black would be forced to reply with ...Qxf7#, satisfying the stipulation. So it seems all White needs is a waiting move — but alas, none exists. The task, then, is to seek radically different mates involving the e7 queen and, potentially, the e6 knight, which, once unpinned, could be made to deliver ...Nf4#.

The improbable key is 1.Rdxc5!. Black can now either push the d-pawn or capture the rook with it. After 1...d5, White forces the anticipated knight mate: 2.R5c7+ Kd6 3.Qf4+ Nxf4#. Alternatively, 1...dxc5 allows 2.Qxe6+ Qxe6 3.Bf5 Qxf5#.

Yes, the set mate ...Qxf7# is nowhere to be seen. Instead, we get ...Nxf4# and ...Qxf5# — paradoxical, as Fata Morgana selfmates so often are!