Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1003)

After the setup move Rxe7, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxe7. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0TQhf

Rating

1003

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame, Fork

Material

Black is ahead by 5 points

FEN

6k1/4rp2/2R2P2/p5p1/2P1b1Pb/8/P7/6K1 w - - 0 39

What to look for

Find a move that decisively changes the evaluation, usually by force.

39. Rc8+ 39... Re8 40. Rxe8+ 40... Kh7 41. Rxe4

The full forcing line from the source position is:

38... Rxe7 39. Rc8+ 39... Re8 40. Rxe8+ 40... Kh7 41. Rxe4