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Mate in 3: knight to b5 (c7)

c9-26518
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

37. Nxb5+ Ka6 38. Ra7+ Kxb5 39. Ra5#

Why it works

  • Best move. knight to b5 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — rook to a7 (#1).
  • Precise: rook to a5 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Ka6, then Ra7+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #591.

Explore position #591

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