Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1819)

After the setup move Qc6, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qc6. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0ZQ1F

Rating

1819

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame

Material

Black is ahead by 2 points

FEN

6k1/ppQ2pp1/2q1p1p1/2P5/1P6/7P/6P1/7K w - - 6 44

What to look for

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

44. Qxc6 44... bxc6 45. b5 45... cxb5 46. c6

The full forcing line from the source position is:

43... Qc6 44. Qxc6 44... bxc6 45. b5 45... cxb5 46. c6