Chess tactic

Endgame Puzzle (1951)

After the setup move cxb2, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after cxb2. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0o14m

Rating

1951

Side to move

White

Themes

Endgame, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

Black is ahead by 3 points

FEN

7k/6pp/3p1b1P/p3q3/8/PB2r3/Kp4Q1/5R2 w - - 0 38

What to look for

A tactic from a reduced-material position where king activity and promotion threats matter.

38. hxg7+ 38... Bxg7 39. Rf8+ 39... Bxf8 40. Qg8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

37... cxb2 38. hxg7+ 38... Bxg7 39. Rf8+ 39... Bxf8 40. Qg8#