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Winning blow: queen to a7 (a8·2)

c9-22677
Puzzle rating: 1430Theme: 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

23. Qa7+ Kc6 24. Qxa5 b6 25. Qc3+ Bc5 26. dxc5

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a7 keeps the pressure (+7.3).
  • Well found: queen to a5 (+7.3).
  • Precise: queen to c3 is the top choice (+7.4).
  • Best move. pawn to c5 is exactly what the engine plays (+7.5).
  • You win a piece — the bishop.
  • If instead Kc6, then Qxa5 and you win the knight.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #266.

Explore position #266

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