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Winning blow: queen to a5 (c7·2)

c9-24317
Puzzle rating: 1250Theme: 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

19. Qa5 Bxd5 20. Qxd5 Rc6 21. Bxf8

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a5 keeps the pressure (+3.2).
  • Spot on — queen to d5 (+3.2).
  • Stunning! bishop to f8 gives up material but you are winning (+3.1).
  • You win a piece — the rook.
  • If instead Bxd5, then Qxd5 and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #23.

Explore position #23

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