Attack on the uncastled king: queen to a8 (a7·2)
c9-26149naming 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
15. Qa8+ Nb8 16. Qxb8+ Nd8 17. Qxd8#
Why it works
- Great move! queen to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Well found: queen to b8 (#1).
- Precise: queen to d8 is the top choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Nb8, then Qxb8+ and you win the knight.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #496.
SP-496 · 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 #496Similar puzzles
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