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Mate in 3: queen to c4 (f1)

c9-26392
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

25. Qc4+ Kb6 26. Rd6+ Ka5 27. Nxb3#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to c4 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Spot on — rook to d6 (#1).
  • Precise: knight to b3 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kb6, then Rd6+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #171.

Explore position #171

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