A logical selfmate showing a popular theme from directmate three and
more-movers. White can try 1.Rg1? threatening 2.Bxe2+ Bxe2, but 1...Rd3!
is an adequate defence. How does White put his extra moves to best use?
The only two plausible attempts at forcing Black to mate are Bxe2+ Bxe2 and Qg2+ hxg2, both of which need preparation. The latter requires a guard on f4, so 1.f7 threatens 2.f8B 3.Bh6 4.Qg2+ hxg2. Black can only defend by getting his rook to e5, so 1...Ra5. Now 2.Rg1 threatens 3.Bxe2+ Bxe2, forcing 2...Rb5. Blocking the diagonal at b5 instead of d3 immobilises the black bishop, which White exploits by 3.Qh5+ Kf4 4.Kxe2, and Black cannot avoid discovering mate. A clear example of a Roman decoy.