Since this is the first helpmate, here are a few words of explanation to those who are new to this type of puzzle. In a helpmate, both sides cooperate to help White mate Black. While this idea may seem slightly bizarre, helpmates are favorites of many over-the-board players, perhaps because normally they can only dream of such a cooperative opponent! It is a convention of helpmates that Black moves first, so in this puzzle both sides make three moves and White's final move delivers mate. Although Black is helping White, all the moves must be legal.The first few helpmates are quite easy, so there is no need to be afraid!

Black to play, helpmate in three.

Hint:The key to any helpmate is to spot the mating position. Once this has been accomplished, it is normally not hard to find the sequence of moves which leads to mate. In this position try to visualize the mating position with the given material, and then see if it can be reached in three moves. It is easier to mate a king on the edge of the board than in the centre, and it is easier still in the corner!