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Attack on the uncastled king: rook to a5 (c5)

c9-09109
Puzzle rating: 2250Theme: 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

23. Rxa5 Be5 24. Qxe5 Qa3+ 25. Kxa3 fxg4 26. Ra8#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a5 keeps the pressure (#3).
  • Well found: queen to e5 (#2).
  • Strong! king to a3 is the sharp choice (#1).
  • Best move. rook to a8 is exactly what the engine plays (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 4.
  • If instead Be5, then Qxe5 and you win the bishop.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #959.

Explore position #959

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