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Winning blow: pawn to e3 (e2·4)

c9-26761
Puzzle rating: 1390Theme: 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

23. e3 Qe6 24. Qxd3+ Ke8 25. Rc8+ Qxc8 26. Bxc8

Why it works

  • Great move! pawn to e3 keeps the pressure (+5.3).
  • Well found: queen to d3 (+5.6).
  • Precise: rook to c8 is the top choice (+5.7).
  • Best move. bishop to c8 is exactly what the engine plays (+5.8).
  • You win a piece — the queen.
  • If instead Qe6, then Qxd3+ and you stay on top.

About this position

These pieces come from starting position #820.

Explore position #820

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