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Attack on the uncastled king: rook to a8 (a1·10)

c9-26534
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

14. Rxa8+ Qb8 15. Rxb8+ Kxb8 16. Qxb7#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Spot on — rook to b8 (#1).
  • Strong! queen to b7 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Qb8, then Rxb8+ and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #539.

Explore position #539

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