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Winning blow: queen to a8 (f3·3)

c9-24216
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

22. Qxa8+ Kxa8 23. Nxe8 Nbxc2 24. Nxc7+ Rxc7 25. Bxc7

Why it works

  • Brilliant! The queen on a8 is a sacrifice that works — you stand better (+2.6).
  • Well found: knight to e8 (+2.6).
  • Strong! knight to c7 is the sharp choice (+2.9).
  • Great move! bishop to c7 keeps the pressure (+2.9).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead Kxa8, then Nxe8 and you win the queen.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #782.

Explore position #782

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