Mate in 3: queen to a8 (b7)
c9-28189naming 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
19. Qa8+ Nb8 20. Qxb8+ Rc8 21. Qxc8#
Why it works
- Great move! queen to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Spot on — queen to b8 (#1).
- Precise: queen to c8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Nb8, then Qxb8+ and you win the knight.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #380.
SP-380 · ThroneScout — The king starts on d or e while at least one knight begins in a corner.
Explore position #380Similar puzzles
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