Chess tactic

Crushing Puzzle (2703)

After the setup move Ke6, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Ke6. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0JbV8

Rating

2703

Side to move

White

Themes

Crushing, Endgame, Zugzwang

Material

Material is level

FEN

8/p7/3pk1p1/Pp6/1P1pP1KP/3P4/8/8 w - - 2 40

What to look for

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

40. Kg5 40... Kf7 41. Kh6 41... Kf6 42. a6 42... Kf7 43. Kh7

The full forcing line from the source position is:

39... Ke6 40. Kg5 40... Kf7 41. Kh6 41... Kf6 42. a6 42... Kf7 43. Kh7