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Mate in 3: pawn to b5 (c4)

c9-26402
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

21. cxb5 g3 22. Ra1 gxh2 23. Ra8#

Why it works

  • Great move! pawn to b5 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • rook to a1 develops smoothly.
  • Precise: rook to a8 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead g3, then Ra1 and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #255.

Explore position #255

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