Winning blow: knight to b5 (c3·14)
c9-23449naming tag (square·N)Shuffle Rating 1200Theme: Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
TypeWinning blow
White to move — find the best continuation
The tactical motive
Chess960 twist: use the unusual starting setup of the pieces.
White to move — find the best continuation
Solution & explanation
Main line
18. Nb5+ Kb7 19. Qxe4+ Nc6 20. Rg6 Rd6 21. Nxd6+
Why it works
- Best move. knight to b5 is exactly what the engine plays (+3.5).
- Well found: queen to e4 (+4.0).
- Strong! rook to g6 is the sharp choice (+4.3).
- Best move. knight to d6 is exactly what the engine plays (+4.3).
- You win a piece — the rook.
- If instead Kb7, then Qxe4+ and you stay on top.
About this position
These pieces come from starting position #307.
SP-307 · ThroneGuard — A central king (d or e) and two knights tucked onto inner files: the family that holds the standard array, SP-518.
Explore position #307Similar puzzles
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