Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1905)

After the setup move Rd8, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rd8. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0dEsk

Rating

1905

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Middlegame

Material

Black is ahead by 4 points

FEN

3r2k1/5ppp/1q1N2n1/3Qp3/1P6/2P3P1/1r2P2P/4RK2 w - - 5 26

What to look for

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

26. Qxf7+ 26... Kh8 27. Ne8 27... Qa7 28. Qxa7

The full forcing line from the source position is:

25... Rd8 26. Qxf7+ 26... Kh8 27. Ne8 27... Qa7 28. Qxa7