Mate in 3: knight to c6 (a5)
c9-16011naming 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
17. Nc6+ Kc8 18. Ba6+ Rb7 19. Bxb7#
Why it works
- Great move! knight to c6 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Spot on — bishop to a6 (#1).
- Precise: bishop to b7 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kc8, then Ba6+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #249.
SP-249 · BastionScout — Off-centre king plus a rim knight (a/h): 168 positions carry this shape.
Explore position #249Similar puzzles
Free, no ads · Android 8.0+ · coming soon to Google Play