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Mate in 3: queen to a6 (a3·2)

c9-20223
Puzzle rating: 1760Theme: 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

16. Qxa6+ Bb7 17. Nxe7+ Qxe7 18. Qxb7#

Why it works

  • Best move. queen to a6 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — knight to e7 (#1).
  • Precise: queen to b7 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Bb7, then Nxe7+ and you win the knight.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #339.

Explore position #339

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