Open in the app

Mate in 3: pawn to a5 (b4)

c9-08971
Puzzle rating: 1980Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

Solve in the app

The tactical motive

Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

35. bxa5 Rg8 36. Qd6 Rh8 37. c7#

Why it works

  • Best move. pawn to a5 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • queen to d6 develops smoothly.
  • Precise: pawn to c7 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Rg8, then Qd6 and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #480.

Explore position #480

Similar puzzles

Free, no ads · Android 8.0+ · coming soon to Google Play

Embed

Copy this code to embed the board on your site: