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Mate in 3: rook to a3 (h3)

c9-09631
Puzzle rating: 1980Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

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The tactical motive

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

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

34. Rxa3 Rg5+ 35. Rxg5 cxb4 36. Ra8#

Why it works

  • Best move. rook to a3 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — rook to g5 (#1).
  • Precise: rook to a8 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Rg5+, then Rxg5 and you win the rook.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #441.

Explore position #441

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