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Winning blow: queen to a8 (a7·8)

c9-25727
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

21. Qa8+ Rc8 22. Qa5+ b6 23. Qxb6+ Rc7 24. Nxd2

Why it works

  • Best move. queen to a8 is exactly what the engine plays (+3.9).
  • Well found: queen to a5 (+4.3).
  • Strong! queen to b6 is the sharp choice (+4.5).
  • Best move. knight to d2 is exactly what the engine plays (+4.6).
  • You win a piece — the knight.
  • If instead Rc8, then Qa5+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #362.

Explore position #362

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