Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1426)

After the setup move a2, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after a2. White to move.

Puzzle ID

00BCa

Rating

1426

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame, Promotion

Material

Material is level

FEN

1r6/p2kp1P1/3p4/2pP4/2P2B2/1N6/p4PK1/8 w - - 0 42

What to look for

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

42. Nxc5+ 42... dxc5 43. Bxb8 43... a1=Q 44. g8=Q

The full forcing line from the source position is:

41... a2 42. Nxc5+ 42... dxc5 43. Bxb8 43... a1=Q 44. g8=Q