Mate in 3: rook to a7 (a4)
c9-19235naming tag (square·N)Shuffle Rating 1990Theme: 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
27. Rxa7+ Kb8 28. Ra8+ Kc7 29. Qa7#
Why it works
- Best move. rook to a7 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — rook to a8 (#1).
- Precise: queen to a7 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kb8, then Ra8+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #360.
SP-360 · ThroneScout — King on a central file (d/e) with a knight starting on the rim (a/h).
Explore position #360Similar puzzles
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