Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1639)

After the setup move Rxa2, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxa2. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0A9HO

Rating

1639

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

1k6/1p6/8/p4P2/4K3/6R1/r7/8 w - - 0 38

What to look for

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

38. f6 38... Rf2 39. Rf3

The full forcing line from the source position is:

37... Rxa2 38. f6 38... Rf2 39. Rf3