Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1857)

After the setup move Rb1, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rb1. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0Zxxr

Rating

1857

Side to move

Black

Themes

Crushing, Fork, Middlegame

Material

White is ahead by 1 point

FEN

6k1/q4pb1/4p2n/3pP2P/2rP1Bp1/3Q2N1/2PK2P1/1R6 b - - 8 37

What to look for

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

37... Rxd4 38. Rb8+ 38... Bf8

The full forcing line from the source position is:

37. Rb1 37... Rxd4 38. Rb8+ 38... Bf8