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Attack on the uncastled king: bishop to a6 (e2·7)

sf-u-0074
Puzzle rating: 1630Theme: Uncastled king: the enemy king is stuck in the centre — punish it before it castles.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

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The tactical motive

Uncastled king: the enemy king is stuck in the centre — punish it before it castles.

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

18. Ba6+ Rb7 19. Qh8+ Ng8 20. Qxg8#

Why it works

  • Great move! bishop to a6 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Spot on — queen to h8 (#1).
  • Precise: queen to g8 is the top choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Rb7, then Qh8+ and you stay on top.

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