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Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a4 (c4)

c9-25167
Puzzle rating: 1630Theme: 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. Qxa4+ Nb5 19. Qxb5+ Kf8 20. Rxd8#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a4 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: queen to b5 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to d8 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Nb5, then Qxb5+ and you win the knight.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #515.

Explore position #515

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