Mate in 3: queen to c3 (a1·2)
c9-26808naming 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
30. Qc3+ Kb8 31. Rb5+ Ka8 32. Qc6#
Why it works
- Best move. queen to c3 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — rook to b5 (#1).
- Precise: queen to c6 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kb8, then Rb5+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #196.
SP-196 · BastionGuard — Both knights begin inside the board while the king stands on c or f; a position and its mirror twin share this family.
Explore position #196Similar puzzles
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