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Mate in 3: pawn to b7 (c6)

c9-17794
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

20. cxb7+ Kxb7 21. Nc5+ Kc8 22. Qc6#

Why it works

  • Great move! pawn to b7 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Spot on — knight to c5 (#1).
  • Precise: queen to c6 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kxb7, then Nc5+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #652.

Explore position #652

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