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Winning blow: rook to a7 (a8·5)

c9-10012
Puzzle rating: 2350Theme: 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

30. Ra7+ Kxc8 31. Be6+ Kd8 32. Nc6+ Ke8 33. Ra8#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a7 keeps the pressure (#3).
  • Well found: bishop to e6 (#2).
  • Precise: knight to c6 is the top choice (#1).
  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 4.
  • If instead Kxc8, then Be6+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #180.

Explore position #180

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