Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1604)

After the setup move Bb5, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Bb5. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0T0eP

Rating

1604

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

8/6k1/p2p2p1/1b4P1/2B2K2/8/P7/8 w - - 1 40

What to look for

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

40. Bxb5 40... axb5 41. Ke4 41... Kf8 42. Kd5 42... Ke7 43. Kc6

The full forcing line from the source position is:

39... Bb5 40. Bxb5 40... axb5 41. Ke4 41... Kf8 42. Kd5 42... Ke7 43. Kc6