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Chess960 tactic on a3

c9-12578
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

30. Rxa3 Qf8 31. Ra8+ Nxa8 32. Qd7+ Kb8 33. Qb7#

Why it works

  • Best move. rook to a3 is exactly what the engine plays (#3).
  • Spot on — rook to a8 (#2).
  • Precise: queen to d7 is the top choice (#1).
  • Best move. queen to b7 is exactly what the engine plays (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 4.
  • If instead Qf8, then Ra8+ and you win the knight.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #470.

Explore position #470

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