Simple, nice puzzle

If 2... Kh8 then 3.Qxg6 loses to 3... Ra1

On the last move there are 4 different ways to play checkmate.

What is white's intended continuation after 1. ... Kg8.

2Kh8 3. Qc3+... Kg8 4. Qg7# (can deflect the mate 1 move by interfering with the rook, but it doesn't matter)

My engine says that after 1. Re7, Kg8 is wholly sufficient enough for black to sustain his advantage.

Of course, to ad: this is not at all a forced mate.  It is only a mate if black is bad enough to allow white to mate him.

For mate I tried 4. Rf8# 4.Rh7# 4.Qg7# Before I finally stubbled upon the "chosen" one.

How is this forced though can't these: 1.. Kg7

1..Ra1+

1..Qf8   ..all prevent mate?

Isn't 1..Qh3? a blunder?

there is a faster mate if black played like that: 2. Qxg6+ Kh8 3. Re8#

If black played like what? 1. Re7 Kg8 2. Qxg6+?? fxg6

How very... random

Ok

I would like to go on record as being generally opposed to random mating.

Thank you.

batgirl, maybe we can mate togrther?

I'm sorry, no.  If you'll forgve my bluntness, you're a bit too skeletal for my tastes.

Don't be shy lady!

I'm not shy, just selective.

I'm skelatal, but not shy!

Too bad.

2 good!

shiny and smooth, devoid of all skin,
fleshless and arid, a mere skeleton,
a condition i find, all shyness aside,
to be such a thing that I just can't abide.