Mate in 3: knight to b5 (c3)
c9-23165naming 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
21. Nb5+ Kc8 22. Qf8+ Nd8 23. Qxd8#
Why it works
- Great move! knight to b5 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Spot on — queen to f8 (#1).
- Precise: queen to d8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kc8, then Qf8+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #430.
SP-430 · ThroneGuard — A centre-file king with no knight on the edge; a position and its mirror twin always share this family.
Explore position #430Similar puzzles
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