Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1204)

After the setup move Kf8, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Kf8. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0QS8v

Rating

1204

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame, Exposed King

Material

Black is ahead by 3 points

FEN

1r3k2/p6Q/b3p3/3pq3/8/P1p1P1P1/5P2/1R4K1 w - - 5 31

What to look for

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

31. Rxb8+ 31... Qxb8 32. Qh8+ 32... Ke7 33. Qxb8

The full forcing line from the source position is:

30... Kf8 31. Rxb8+ 31... Qxb8 32. Qh8+ 32... Ke7 33. Qxb8