Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1616)

After the setup move Qb3+, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qb3+. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0eXZf

Rating

1616

Side to move

Black

Themes

Crushing, Defensive Move, Middlegame

Material

White is ahead by 2 points

FEN

5rk1/1pp3bp/2np2p1/p3pb2/P7/1QPP2Pq/1P2BP1P/R1B1R1K1 b - - 1 19

What to look for

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

19... Be6 20. Bf1 20... Qxf1+ 21. Kxf1 21... Bxb3

The full forcing line from the source position is:

19. Qb3+ 19... Be6 20. Bf1 20... Qxf1+ 21. Kxf1 21... Bxb3