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Winning blow: pawn to c6 (b5·8)

c9-14043
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

18. bxc6+ Ke6 19. Rxb8 Rxb8 20. Rxb8 Qxb8 21. Qxa5

Why it works

  • Great move! pawn to c6 keeps the pressure (+2.6).
  • Spot on — rook to b8 (+2.5).
  • Stunning! rook to b8 gives up material but you stand better (+2.8).
  • Best move. queen to a5 is exactly what the engine plays (+2.8).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Ke6, then Rxb8 and you win the rook.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #779.

Explore position #779

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