The fact that I saw this puzzle rated medium on the net just shows how far I have to go in chess, when I saw the answer I was blown away.  Experienced players should have no trouble. It's quite short but I thought I'd share it with chess.com. Have fun!

Check the move list for alternative tries by black.

I didn't see the pin at first but got it 3rd try .. Very good puzzle :)

Yeah, my first idea was: 1. Qa4 Qc6 2. Qxa4 Nxa4 3. Rd8, but of course the knight would still cover the d8 square.

nice puzzle but i got it on my 2nd try.

after Kf8...Bh6+...Kg8.....Qe8+mate. after Nc6...Qc6...Qc6....Rd8+mate. i think black has weakened the light squares on his queenside and on his kingside he has weakened his dark square. maybe a good understanding of such weaknesses is a big advantage.