Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1257)

After the setup move Rb4, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rb4. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0bbkZ

Rating

1257

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Deflection, Endgame

Material

Material is level

FEN

8/1R4pp/8/k7/1r6/7P/1P3r2/1KR5 w - - 1 39

What to look for

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

39. Rc5+ 39... Ka6 40. Rxb4

The full forcing line from the source position is:

38... Rb4 39. Rc5+ 39... Ka6 40. Rxb4