Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1124)

After the setup move Nxf4, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Nxf4. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0C479

Rating

1124

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Middlegame

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

r3r1k1/1b1p2pp/p1p5/2q2p1Q/2P2n2/2NB4/PP4PP/R3R2K w - - 0 18

What to look for

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

18. Rxe8+ 18... Rxe8 19. Qxe8+

The full forcing line from the source position is:

17... Nxf4 18. Rxe8+ 18... Rxe8 19. Qxe8+