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Winning blow: knight to d8 (f7)

c9-10799
Puzzle rating: 1200Theme: 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

27. Nxd8 Nxd8 28. Qe1 Qxg2 29. Nf6+ Kf7 30. Nxd7

Why it works

  • Great move! knight to d8 keeps the pressure (+2.2).
  • queen to e1 develops smoothly.
  • Stunning! knight to f6 gives up material but you stand better (+2.5).
  • Best move. knight to d7 is exactly what the engine plays (+2.6).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Nxd8, then Qe1 and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #172.

Explore position #172

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