Mate in 3: pawn to a4 (a2)
c9-26960Puzzle rating: 1760Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
White to move — find the best continuation
The tactical motive
Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
White to move — find the best continuation
Solution & explanation
Main line
26. a4+ bxa3 27. Qc6+ Ka6 28. Ra4#
Why it works
- Great move! pawn to a4 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Well found: queen to c6 (#1).
- Precise: rook to a4 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead bxa3, then Qc6+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #657.
Explore position #657Similar puzzles
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