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Winning blow: rook to a7 (a5·2)

c9-26274
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

40. R5a7+ Kd8 41. Rxc8+ Kxc8 42. Ra8+ Kd7 43. Rxg8

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a7 keeps the pressure (+4.6).
  • Well found: rook to c8 (+5.1).
  • Strong! rook to a8 is the sharp choice (+5.1).
  • Best move. rook to g8 is exactly what the engine plays (+4.9).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Kd8, then Rxc8+ and you win the rook.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #738.

Explore position #738

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