Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1173)

After the setup move Rf8, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rf8. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0auSX

Rating

1173

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Deflection, Middlegame

Material

Black is ahead by 2 points

FEN

5r2/2q3k1/2pb3r/1p1pNQ2/3P3p/P3P3/4B1PK/R7 w - - 1 40

What to look for

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

40. Qg5+ 40... Kh8 41. Qxh6+

The full forcing line from the source position is:

39... Rf8 40. Qg5+ 40... Kh8 41. Qxh6+