Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1920)

After the setup move Rxe5, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxe5. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0NMn8

Rating

1920

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Defensive Move, Endgame

Material

Black is ahead by 5 points

FEN

3n3k/5q2/pp4rp/4r3/P6Q/2P4P/1P3PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 38

What to look for

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

38. Qxd8+ 38... Rg8 39. Qd4 39... Rxg2+ 40. Kxg2 40... Qg7+ 41. Kf1

The full forcing line from the source position is:

37... Rxe5 38. Qxd8+ 38... Rg8 39. Qd4 39... Rxg2+ 40. Kxg2 40... Qg7+ 41. Kf1