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Winning blow: rook to a8 (a2)

c9-25792
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

27. Ra8+ Kxa8 28. Qxc8+ Ka7 29. Qxc3

Why it works

  • Best move. rook to a8 is exactly what the engine plays (+6.8).
  • Well found: queen to c8 (+7.0).
  • Strong! queen to c3 is the sharp choice (+7.3).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Kxa8, then Qxc8+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #959.

Explore position #959

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