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Mate in 3: queen to a8 (e4·2)

c9-25994
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

23. Qa8+ Kc7 24. Rc1+ Qc6 25. Rxc6#

Why it works

  • Best move. queen to a8 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — rook to c1 (#1).
  • Precise: rook to c6 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kc7, then Rc1+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #948.

Explore position #948

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