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Mate in 3: knight to a7

c9-22556
Puzzle rating: 1630Theme: 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

30. Na7+ Kb7 31. Qxb6+ Ka8 32. c8=Q#

Why it works

  • Best move. knight to a7 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — queen to b6 (#1).
  • Precise: pawn to c8 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kb7, then Qxb6+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #286.

Explore position #286

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