Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1949)

After the setup move Nb3, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Nb3. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0ZzA2

Rating

1949

Side to move

Black

Themes

Crushing, Endgame, Fork

Material

White is ahead by 2 points

FEN

5Qnk/6pp/1p6/3q4/8/1N3R2/p6P/7K b - - 2 38

What to look for

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

38... Qxb3 39. Rxb3 39... a1=Q+ 40. Kg2 40... Qa2+ 41. Kf3 41... Qxb3+

The full forcing line from the source position is:

38. Nb3 38... Qxb3 39. Rxb3 39... a1=Q+ 40. Kg2 40... Qa2+ 41. Kf3 41... Qxb3+