Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1271)

After the setup move Qe2, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qe2. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0YN1p

Rating

1271

Side to move

Black

Themes

Crushing, Endgame, Pin

Material

White is ahead by 1 point

FEN

8/1b3p2/4p2k/1N4p1/3P3p/3qPP1P/4QKP1/8 b - - 8 39

What to look for

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

39... Qxe2+ 40. Kxe2 40... Ba6

The full forcing line from the source position is:

39. Qe2 39... Qxe2+ 40. Kxe2 40... Ba6