Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to a3 (b2·13)
c9-04364naming tag (square·N)Shuffle Rating 780Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
White to move — find the best continuation
The tactical motive
Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
White to move — find the best continuation
Solution & explanation
Main line
10. bxa3 Nd7 11. O-O-O O-O-O 12. Qe3
Why it works
- Great move! pawn to a3 keeps the pressure (+2.9).
- king to c1 develops smoothly.
- Precise: queen to e3 is the top choice (+2.6).
- You win a piece — the bishop.
- If instead Na6, then Qe5 and you win the bishop.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #538.
SP-538 · BastionGuard — Both knights begin inside the board while the king stands on c or f; a position and its mirror twin share this family.
Explore position #538Similar puzzles
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