Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1278)

After the setup move Qh3, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qh3. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0Aceb

Rating

1278

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame, Pin

Material

Black is ahead by 3 points

FEN

8/2p2Qbk/pp2P3/5p2/P5b1/7q/5R2/6K1 w - - 3 39

What to look for

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

39. Rh2 39... Qxh2+ 40. Kxh2

The full forcing line from the source position is:

38... Qh3 39. Rh2 39... Qxh2+ 40. Kxh2