Mate in 3: rook to d8 (d5·3)
c9-28452naming 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
24. Rxd8+ Kxd8 25. Qf8+ Kd7 26. Nc5#
Why it works
- Great move! rook to d8 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Well found: queen to f8 (#1).
- Strong! knight to c5 is the sharp choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kxd8, then Qf8+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #591.
SP-591 · ThroneGuard — Both knights start on inner files (b–g) while the king sits centrally on d or e — one of 204 positions filed here.
Explore position #591Similar puzzles
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