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Winning blow: rook to a8 (a1·11)

c9-19930
Puzzle rating: 1700Theme: 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

24. Ra8+ Rb8 25. Rxb8+ Kxb8 26. Rb1+ Qb6 27. Rxb6+

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (+7.7).
  • Well found: rook to b8 (+8.0).
  • Strong! rook to b1 is the sharp choice (+8.3).
  • Best move. rook to b6 is exactly what the engine plays (+8.3).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead Rb8, then Rxb8+ and you win the rook.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #728.

Explore position #728

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