Mate in 3: rook to c8 (b8)
c9-22000naming 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
16. Rxc8+ Kxc8 17. Qb7+ Kd8 18. Qb8#
Why it works
- Best move. rook to c8 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — queen to b7 (#1).
- Precise: queen to b8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kxc8, then Qb7+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #583.
SP-583 · ThroneGuard — A central king (d or e) and two knights tucked onto inner files: the family that holds the standard array, SP-518.
Explore position #583Similar puzzles
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