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Attack on the uncastled king: queen to b1 (a2)

c9-11623
Puzzle rating: 2120Theme: 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

17. Qxb1 Re7 18. Qb8 Bxe5 19. Qc7+ Ke8 20. Qxc8#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to b1 keeps the pressure (#3).
  • queen to b8 develops smoothly.
  • Precise: queen to c7 is the top choice (#1).
  • Great move! queen to c8 keeps the pressure (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 4.
  • If instead Re7, then Qb8 and you win the rook.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #871.

Explore position #871

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