Mate in 3: queen to a6
c9-09404Shuffle Rating 1630Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
White to move — find the best continuation
The tactical motive
Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
White to move — find the best continuation
Solution & explanation
Main line
24. Qa6+ Bb7 25. Rxe8+ Qd8 26. Rxd8#
Why it works
- Best move. queen to a6 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — rook to e8 (#1).
- Precise: rook to d8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Bb7, then Rxe8+ and you win the rook.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #355.
SP-355 · ThroneGuard — A central king (d or e) and two knights tucked onto inner files: the family that holds the standard array, SP-518.
Explore position #355Similar puzzles
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