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Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a8 (a4·5)

c9-24183
Puzzle rating: 1290Theme: 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

21. Qxa8+ Nxa8 22. Rxa8+ Kb7 23. Rxh8

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a8 keeps the pressure (+3.6).
  • Well found: rook to a8 (+3.6).
  • Strong! rook to h8 is the sharp choice (+3.6).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Nxa8, then Rxa8+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #542.

Explore position #542

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