Open in the app

Winning blow: queen to c5 (a3·2)

c9-19416
Puzzle rating: 1560Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

Solve in the app

The tactical motive

Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

20. Qxc5 Bxf4+ 21. Nxf4 Qxh8 22. Bb5#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to c5 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Spot on — knight to f4 (#1).
  • Strong! bishop to b5 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Bxf4+, then Nxf4 and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #204.

Explore position #204

Similar puzzles

Free, no ads · Android 8.0+ · coming soon to Google Play

Embed

Copy this code to embed the board on your site: