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Winning blow: pawn to a3 (b2·6)

c9-21318
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

17. bxa3 Ncb6 18. Rd1 Bd6 19. Bxd5 Nxd5 20. Rxd5

Why it works

  • Great move! pawn to a3 keeps the pressure (+4.6).
  • rook to d1 develops smoothly.
  • Precise: bishop to d5 is the top choice (+4.8).
  • Best move. rook to d5 is exactly what the engine plays (+4.9).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead Ncb6, then Rd1 and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #520.

Explore position #520

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