Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1800)

After the setup move Rxh7, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxh7. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

03oSr

Rating

1800

Side to move

Black

Themes

Crushing, Endgame

Material

White is ahead by 1 point

FEN

2k5/1p5R/p2p4/6p1/3N2P1/1PP3KP/1P3P2/4q3 b - - 0 39

What to look for

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

39... Qe5+ 40. Kf3 40... Qf4+ 41. Kg2 41... Qe4+

The full forcing line from the source position is:

39. Rxh7 39... Qe5+ 40. Kf3 40... Qf4+ 41. Kg2 41... Qe4+