Mate in 3: knight to c6 (a7)
c9-15591naming 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
39. Nxc6+ Ke8 40. Ra8+ Rb8 41. Rxb8#
Why it works
- Great move! knight to c6 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Well found: rook to a8 (#1).
- Strong! rook to b8 is the sharp choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Ke8, then Ra8+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #554.
SP-554 · BastionGuard — A c- or f-file king and two knights on inner files (b–g).
Explore position #554Similar puzzles
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