Open in the app

Mate in 3: rook to a8 (a5·2)

c9-17818
Puzzle rating: 1990Theme: 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

23. Ra8+ Kxa8 24. Qa6+ Kb8 25. Qxb7#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: queen to a6 (#1).
  • Strong! queen to b7 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kxa8, then Qa6+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #94.

Explore position #94

Similar puzzles

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

Embed

Copy this code to embed the board on your site: