Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1544)

After the setup move a3, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after a3. White to move.

Puzzle ID

09gCc

Rating

1544

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame

Material

Material is level

FEN

8/2B4p/6b1/8/3k4/p7/4RPKP/r7 w - - 0 41

What to look for

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

41. Be5+ 41... Kd3 42. Re3+ 42... Kc4 43. Bxa1

The full forcing line from the source position is:

40... a3 41. Be5+ 41... Kd3 42. Re3+ 42... Kc4 43. Bxa1