Mate in 3: bishop to a3
c9-23948Shuffle 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. Ba3+ b4 22. Bxb4+ Kd8 23. Qc8#
Why it works
- Best move. bishop to a3 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — bishop to b4 (#1).
- Precise: queen to c8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead b4, then Bxb4+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #307.
SP-307 · 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 #307Similar puzzles
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