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Mate in 3: rook to a8 (a1·2)

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Puzzle rating: 1828Theme: Mate in 3: a forced sequence that ends in checkmate.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

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The tactical motive

Mate in 3: a forced sequence that ends in checkmate.

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

33. Ra8+ Rb8 34. Rxb8+ Qxb8 35. Qd7#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: rook to b8 (#1).
  • Strong! queen to d7 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Rb8, then Rxb8+ and you win the rook.

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