Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1226)

After the setup move Bxc3, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Bxc3. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0btIo

Rating

1226

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Deflection, Endgame

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

6k1/p3qpp1/7p/3Q4/8/2bB3P/P5P1/7K w - - 0 24

What to look for

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

24. Qa8+ 24... Qf8 25. Bh7+ 25... Kxh7 26. Qxf8

The full forcing line from the source position is:

23... Bxc3 24. Qa8+ 24... Qf8 25. Bh7+ 25... Kxh7 26. Qxf8