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Winning blow: queen to a8 (e4·4)

c9-24340
Puzzle rating: 1700Theme: 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

39. Qa8+ Qd8 40. Qc6+ Qd7 41. Qxc3 Qd5 42. Rxh5

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a8 keeps the pressure (+2.8).
  • Well found: queen to c6 (+2.5).
  • Precise: queen to c3 is the top choice (+2.8).
  • Best move. rook to h5 is exactly what the engine plays (+3.3).
  • You win a piece — the bishop.
  • If instead Qd8, then Qc6+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #156.

Explore position #156

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