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Winning blow: rook to a8 (a3)

c9-26195
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

15. Rxa8 Rc8 16. Bxe6+ Nxe6 17. Rxc8 Rxc8 18. gxf4

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (+3.5).
  • Spot on — bishop to e6 (+3.3).
  • Strong! rook to c8 is the sharp choice (+3.2).
  • Great move! pawn to f4 keeps the pressure (+3.1).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead Rc8, then Bxe6+ and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #252.

Explore position #252

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