Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (2035)

After the setup move Qc7, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qc7. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0FOyZ

Rating

2035

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Deflection, Middlegame

Material

Black is ahead by 5 points

FEN

1k1r3r/ppq3pp/2p1Bn2/8/8/b1P1B1QP/P4PP1/1R4K1 w - - 4 18

What to look for

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

18. Bxa7+ 18... Kxa7 19. Qxc7 19... Rd1+ 20. Rxd1

The full forcing line from the source position is:

17... Qc7 18. Bxa7+ 18... Kxa7 19. Qxc7 19... Rd1+ 20. Rxd1