Winning blow: rook to a1 (c1·3)
c9-16181naming tag (square·N)Shuffle Rating 2060Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
TypeQuiet move
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
21. Ra1 Qb7 22. Qe8+ Qc8 23. Ra8+
Why it works
- Great move! rook to a1 keeps the pressure (#13).
- Well found: queen to e8 (#12).
- Precise: rook to a8 is the top choice (#6).
- You win decisive material (+15.0).
- If instead Qb7, then Qe8+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #171.
SP-171 · ThroneScout — Centre-file king, rim knight: 204 of the 960 positions share this pattern.
Explore position #171Similar puzzles
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