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Mate in 3: pawn to d4 (c3)

c9-28426
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

38. cxd4 a6 39. Qd8+ Kb7 40. Rc7#

Why it works

  • Best move. pawn to d4 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — queen to d8 (#1).
  • Precise: rook to c7 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead a6, then Qd8+ and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #328.

Explore position #328

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