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Mate in 3: rook to a8 (a7)

c9-24095
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

37. Ra8+ Kd7 38. Rxd8+ Kc7 39. Ra7#

Why it works

  • Best move. rook to a8 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — rook to d8 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to a7 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kd7, then Rxd8+ and you win the rook.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #531.

Explore position #531

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