Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a3 (b2·2)
c9-25311naming tag (square·N)Shuffle Rating 1630Theme: 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
18. Qa3+ Qb4 19. Qxb4+ Rd6 20. Qxd6#
Why it works
- Great move! queen to a3 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Well found: queen to b4 (#1).
- Strong! queen to d6 is the sharp choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Qb4, then Qxb4+ and you win the queen.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #296.
SP-296 · BastionScout — The king starts one file off-centre, on c or f, and a knight begins in a corner.
Explore position #296Similar puzzles
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