Mate in 3: queen to c6 (a4·2)
c9-28457naming 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
25. Qxc6+ Kd8 26. Rb8+ Ke7 27. Qxe8#
Why it works
- Best move. queen to c6 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — rook to b8 (#1).
- Precise: queen to e8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kd8, then Rb8+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #867.
SP-867 · 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 #867Similar puzzles
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