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Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a3 (c1·8)

c9-24164
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

11. Qa3+ Ke8 12. Re1+ Qe6 13. Nxd4 Rxd4 14. Bxd4

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a3 keeps the pressure (+9.1).
  • Spot on — rook to e1 (+8.9).
  • Precise: knight to d4 is the top choice (+9.4).
  • Best move. bishop to d4 is exactly what the engine plays (+9.3).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Ke8, then Re1+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #576.

Explore position #576

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