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Attack on the uncastled king: rook to a8 (a1·7)

c9-16102
Puzzle rating: 1560Theme: 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

22. Rxa8+ Nf8 23. Rxf8+ Kxf8 24. Qd8#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Spot on — rook to f8 (#1).
  • Precise: queen to d8 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Nf8, then Rxf8+ and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #401.

Explore position #401

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