Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1504)

After the setup move cxb3, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after cxb3. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0kFGu

Rating

1504

Side to move

Black

Themes

Crushing, Hanging Piece, Middlegame

Material

Material is level

FEN

1r1q2k1/2p1Rp2/6p1/2BP1r2/p1P1Qp2/bP5P/P7/K3R3 b - - 0 36

What to look for

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

36... Bxc5 37. Re8+ 37... Qxe8 38. Qxe8+ 38... Rxe8

The full forcing line from the source position is:

36. cxb3 36... Bxc5 37. Re8+ 37... Qxe8 38. Qxe8+ 38... Rxe8