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Mate in 3: queen to c3 (b2)

c9-27608
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

20. Qxc3 Qxb3+ 21. axb3 Rfe8 22. Qg7#

Why it works

  • Best move. queen to c3 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — pawn to b3 (#1).
  • Precise: queen to g7 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Qxb3+, then axb3 and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #578.

Explore position #578

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