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Winning blow: queen to a7 (a4·2)

c9-11471
Puzzle rating: 1430Theme: 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

18. Qa7+ Kc8 19. Qxa8+ Kd7 20. Qxc6+ Ke7 21. gxf4

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a7 keeps the pressure (+4.8).
  • Well found: queen to a8 (+4.8).
  • Strong! queen to c6 is the sharp choice (+4.8).
  • Best move. pawn to f4 is exactly what the engine plays (+4.7).
  • You win a piece — the bishop.
  • If instead Kc8, then Qxa8+ and you win the bishop.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #355.

Explore position #355

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