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Attack on the uncastled king: rook to c3 (a3·2)

c9-25268
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

17. Rxc3 Qxc3 18. a3 cxd5 19. cxd5 Bxe6 20. dxe6

Why it works

  • Brilliant! The rook on c3 is a sacrifice that works — you stand better (+1.3).
  • pawn to a3 develops smoothly.
  • Strong! pawn to d5 is the sharp choice (+3.3).
  • Best move. pawn to e6 is exactly what the engine plays (+3.7).
  • You reach a winning position (+3.7).
  • If instead Qxc3, then a3 and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #949.

Explore position #949

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