Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (1986)

After the setup move Nbd5, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Nbd5. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0AOHu

Rating

1986

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Deflection, Middlegame

Material

Material is level

FEN

8/6b1/2q3kp/3n1p2/1pNp2pP/1PnP2P1/3QNP1K/2B5 w - - 6 37

What to look for

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

37. Ne5+ 37... Bxe5 38. Qxh6+ 38... Kf7 39. Qxc6

The full forcing line from the source position is:

36... Nbd5 37. Ne5+ 37... Bxe5 38. Qxh6+ 38... Kf7 39. Qxc6