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Mate in 3: queen to b7 (a7·3)

c9-20314
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. Qxb7+ Kd8 21. Qc8+ Ke7 22. Qc7#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to b7 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Spot on — queen to c8 (#1).
  • Precise: queen to c7 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kd8, then Qc8+ and you win the knight.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #183.

Explore position #183

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