Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1603)

After the setup move Rxb7, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxb7. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0UEtW

Rating

1603

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Middlegame, Sacrifice

Material

Black is ahead by 4 points

FEN

3r2k1/1r3p1p/1P1pbqp1/p7/P1PR4/2Q3P1/1B3P1P/6K1 w - - 0 30

What to look for

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

30. Rxd6 30... Qxc3 31. Rxd8+ 31... Kg7 32. Bxc3+

The full forcing line from the source position is:

29... Rxb7 30. Rxd6 30... Qxc3 31. Rxd8+ 31... Kg7 32. Bxc3+