Mate in 3: queen to a8 (f3·3)
c9-24940naming tag (square·N)Shuffle Rating 1630Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
TypeMate in 3
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
25. Qa8+ Kd7 26. Ne5+ Kd6 27. Qxf8#
Why it works
- Best move. queen to a8 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — knight to e5 (#1).
- Precise: queen to f8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kd7, then Ne5+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #298.
SP-298 · ThroneScout — A knight starts on the edge (a/h) and the king sits centrally on d or e; the mirror twin stays in this family too.
Explore position #298Similar puzzles
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