Mate in 3: rook to a1 (b1·3)
c9-26914naming 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
28. Rxa1+ Ba3 29. Rxa3+ Kb6 30. Qxb5#
Why it works
- Best move. rook to a1 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — rook to a3 (#1).
- Precise: queen to b5 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Ba3, then Rxa3+ and you win the rook.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #366.
SP-366 · BastionScout — King off-centre on c or f with a knight starting on the rim (a/h).
Explore position #366Similar puzzles
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