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Winning blow: knight to c5 (b3·8)

c9-22834
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. Nxc5 Qxc8 22. Qg5 Rd8 23. Rcd1 h6 24. Qxg7+

Why it works

  • Brilliant! The knight on c5 is a sacrifice that works — you stand better (+2.7).
  • queen to g5 develops smoothly.
  • A natural move: rook to d1.
  • Best move. queen to g7 is exactly what the engine plays (+3.8).
  • You reach a winning position (+3.8).
  • If instead Qxc8, then Qg5 and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #74.

Explore position #74

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