Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1542)

After the setup move a5, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after a5. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0B1Pm

Rating

1542

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

3Q4/5pk1/2q3p1/p1pR3p/8/2P4P/1r3PP1/6K1 w - - 0 38

What to look for

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

38. Rd6 38... Qxd6 39. Qxd6

The full forcing line from the source position is:

37... a5 38. Rd6 38... Qxd6 39. Qxd6