Open in the app

Winning blow: rook to h8 (h7·4)

c9-17789
Puzzle rating: 1200Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

Solve in the app

The tactical motive

Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

39. Rxh8+ Ka7 40. h6 Kb6 41. h7 Be8 42. Rxe8

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to h8 keeps the pressure (+4.2).
  • pawn to h6 develops smoothly.
  • A natural move: pawn to h7.
  • Best move. rook to e8 is exactly what the engine plays (+4.4).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Ka7, then h6 and you win the rook.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #459.

Explore position #459

Similar puzzles

Free, no ads · Android 8.0+ · coming soon to Google Play

Embed

Copy this code to embed the board on your site: