Mate in 3: queen to e5 (a1·3)
c9-26388naming tag (square·N)Shuffle 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
20. Qe5+ Kb7 21. Qb8+ Ka6 22. Qxb6#
Why it works
- Great move! queen to e5 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Spot on — queen to b8 (#1).
- Precise: queen to b6 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kb7, then Qb8+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #487.
SP-487 · 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 #487Similar puzzles
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