Mate in 3: knight to d8 (e6)
c9-28407naming 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
40. Nxd8 f5 41. Rc8 Kh8 42. Ne6#
Why it works
- Best move. knight to d8 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- rook to c8 develops smoothly.
- Precise: knight to e6 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead f5, then Rc8 and you win the rook.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #490.
SP-490 · ThroneGuard — A centre-file king with no knight on the edge; a position and its mirror twin always share this family.
Explore position #490Similar puzzles
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