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Mate in 3: queen to a7 (a5·3)

c9-19181
Puzzle rating: 1990Theme: 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

23. Qa7+ Kxc8 24. Qa8+ Kd7 25. Qd8#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a7 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: queen to a8 (#1).
  • Precise: queen to d8 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kxc8, then Qa8+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #823.

Explore position #823

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