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Attack on the uncastled king: pawn to d4 (c3·37)

sf-u-0294
Puzzle rating: 780Theme: 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

14. cxd4 O-O 15. d5 Nb7 16. Qd4

Why it works

  • Great move! pawn to d4 keeps the pressure (+2.9).
  • pawn to d5 develops smoothly.
  • A natural move: queen to d4.
  • You win a piece — the bishop.
  • If instead Qb6, then Nc3 and you win the bishop.

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