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Winning blow: queen to a8 (e8·2)

c9-24867
Puzzle rating: 1290Theme: 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

34. Qa8+ Kxa8 35. Nxb6+ Kb8 36. Nxc4

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to a8 keeps the pressure (+4.4).
  • Well found: knight to b6 (+4.6).
  • Strong! knight to c4 is the sharp choice (+5.4).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead Kxa8, then Nxb6+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #365.

Explore position #365

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