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Mate in 3: knight to c6 (a7)

c9-15591
Puzzle rating: 1630Theme: 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

39. Nxc6+ Ke8 40. Ra8+ Rb8 41. Rxb8#

Why it works

  • Great move! knight to c6 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: rook to a8 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to b8 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Ke8, then Ra8+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #554.

Explore position #554

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