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Winning blow: pawn to a8 (a7)

c9-14747
Puzzle rating: 970Theme: 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

17. a8=Q Bd4 18. Qef3 e4 19. dxe4

Why it works

  • Great move! pawn to a8 keeps the pressure (+3.9).
  • queen to f3 develops smoothly.
  • Precise: pawn to e4 is the top choice (+4.3).
  • You win a piece — the pawn.
  • If instead Nd6, then Qa4+ and you win the pawn.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #279.

Explore position #279

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