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Attack on the uncastled king: knight to a3 (c2·6)

c9-23945
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

18. Nxa3 O-O 19. Nb1 b5 20. f3 Nd6 21. Nxd7

Why it works

  • Great move! knight to a3 keeps the pressure (+3.7).
  • knight to b1 develops smoothly.
  • A natural move: pawn to f3.
  • Best move. knight to d7 is exactly what the engine plays (+4.2).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead O-O, then Nb1 and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #562.

Explore position #562

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