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Winning blow: queen to a8 (a3·4)

c9-23359
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

33. Qxa8+ Rb8 34. Qa6+ Kd8 35. Qxb5 Ke8 36. Qxb8+

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a8 keeps the pressure (+3.9).
  • Spot on — queen to a6 (+4.2).
  • Precise: queen to b5 is the top choice (+4.6).
  • Great move! queen to b8 keeps the pressure (+4.9).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Rb8, then Qa6+ and you win the bishop.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #721.

Explore position #721

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