Open in the app

Winning blow: pawn to a8 (a7·5)

c9-23631
Puzzle rating: 1250Theme: 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

38. a8=Q Qxa8 39. Qb6+ Kd7 40. Rxa8

Why it works

  • Great move! pawn to a8 keeps the pressure (+6.0).
  • Spot on — queen to b6 (+6.2).
  • Strong! rook to a8 is the sharp choice (+6.6).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead Qxa8, then Qb6+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #765.

Explore position #765

Similar puzzles

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

Embed

Copy this code to embed the board on your site: