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Winning blow: queen to c8 (a6·2)

c9-09510
Puzzle rating: 1390Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

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The tactical motive

Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

38. Qc8 Kd6 39. Qf8+ Kd5 40. Nc3+ Kc4 41. Nxe4

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to c8 keeps the pressure (+7.5).
  • Well found: queen to f8 (+8.3).
  • Strong! knight to c3 is the sharp choice (+8.4).
  • Best move. knight to e4 is exactly what the engine plays (+8.7).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead Kd6, then Qf8+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #754.

Explore position #754

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