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Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a8 (f3·4)

c9-14459
Puzzle rating: 1990Theme: 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

21. Qa8+ Kc7 22. Qa7+ Kd8 23. Qxd7#

Why it works

  • Best move. queen to a8 is exactly what the engine plays (#2).
  • Spot on — queen to a7 (#1).
  • Precise: queen to d7 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kc7, then Qa7+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #927.

Explore position #927

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