Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1939)

After the setup move h4, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after h4. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0kG2R

Rating

1939

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame, Zugzwang

Material

Material is level

FEN

8/1p6/pp1k4/3Pp1p1/PP2Pp1p/3K1P1P/6P1/8 w - - 0 35

What to look for

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

35. Kc4 35... Kc7 36. a5 36... bxa5 37. bxa5

The full forcing line from the source position is:

34... h4 35. Kc4 35... Kc7 36. a5 36... bxa5 37. bxa5