Mate in 3: queen to a5 (e1)
c9-14028naming tag (square·N)Shuffle 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
31. Qa5+ Kb7 32. Qb6+ Kc8 33. Ra8#
Why it works
- Best move. queen to a5 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — queen to b6 (#1).
- Precise: rook to a8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kb7, then Qb6+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #171.
SP-171 · ThroneScout — Centre-file king, rim knight: 204 of the 960 positions share this pattern.
Explore position #171Similar puzzles
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