Mate in 3: queen to a6 (f1·2)
c9-19400naming tag (square·N)Shuffle Rating 1760Theme: 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
21. Qa6+ Kb8 22. Rd8+ Nc8 23. Rxc8#
Why it works
- Great move! queen to a6 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Spot on — rook to d8 (#1).
- Precise: rook to c8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kb8, then Rd8+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #370.
SP-370 · ThroneGuard — A centre-file king with no knight on the edge; a position and its mirror twin always share this family.
Explore position #370Similar puzzles
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