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Winning blow: queen to c1 (a3)

c9-17078
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

21. Qxc1 Nxd6 22. Qf4 Qc3 23. Qxg4+ Kh8 24. Bxd6

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to c1 keeps the pressure (+3.2).
  • Spot on — queen to f4 (+3.0).
  • Precise: queen to g4 is the top choice (+3.4).
  • Best move. bishop to d6 is exactly what the engine plays (+3.4).
  • You win a piece — the bishop.
  • If instead Nxd6, then Qf4 and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #485.

Explore position #485

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