Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (2273)

After the setup move Bg2, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Bg2. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0L7Fv

Rating

2273

Side to move

Black

Themes

Crushing, Endgame

Material

Material is level

FEN

8/p1pn4/1p1p4/3Pk1p1/PPP3P1/4K3/6B1/8 b - - 2 39

What to look for

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

39... a5 40. bxa5 40... bxa5 41. Be4 41... Nb6

The full forcing line from the source position is:

39. Bg2 39... a5 40. bxa5 40... bxa5 41. Be4 41... Nb6