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Attack on the uncastled king: rook to a8 (a7·2)

c9-17849
Puzzle rating: 1200Theme: 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

19. Rxa8+ Nxa8 20. gxf6 Bxc5 21. g5+ Kb7 22. Bxc5

Why it works

  • Brilliant! The rook on a8 is a sacrifice that works — you stand better (+2.9).
  • Spot on — pawn to f6 (+2.8).
  • Precise: pawn to g5 is the top choice (+3.0).
  • Best move. bishop to c5 is exactly what the engine plays (+3.2).
  • You reach a winning position (+3.2).
  • If instead Nxa8, then gxf6 and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #282.

Explore position #282

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