Mate in 3: rook to a7 (a1·3)
c9-12781Puzzle rating: 1980Theme: 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
21. Rxa7 Kd8 22. Qxc7+ Ke8 23. Qd7#
Why it works
- Best move. rook to a7 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
- Spot on — queen to c7 (#1).
- Precise: queen to d7 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Kd8, then Qxc7+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #807.
Explore position #807Similar puzzles
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