Open in the app

Winning blow: rook to a6 (a1·2)

c9-21532
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

18. Rxa6 bxa6 19. Bb7+ Kd7 20. Bc5 Nd6 21. Bxd6

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a6 keeps the pressure (+2.3).
  • Spot on — bishop to b7 (+2.7).
  • Precise: bishop to c5 is the top choice (+2.2).
  • Best move. bishop to d6 is exactly what the engine plays (+2.6).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead bxa6, then Bb7+ and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #495.

Explore position #495

Similar puzzles

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

Embed

Copy this code to embed the board on your site: