Mate in 3: queen to a6 (d3·2)
c9-26072naming tag (square·N)Shuffle Rating 1760Theme: 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
16. Qa6+ Kb8 17. Qa7+ Kc8 18. Qa8#
Why it works
- Great move! queen to a6 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Spot on — queen to a7 (#1).
- Precise: queen to a8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kb8, then Qa7+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #897.
SP-897 · BastionScout — Off-centre king plus a rim knight (a/h): 168 positions carry this shape.
Explore position #897Similar puzzles
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