Chess Puzzle #00lex — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f3; pawns a4/g5/h4. Black: king f5; pawns a5/b6/c5/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (6 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb5 — pawn a4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies a4 (pawn a5→a4).
3. Best move: b6 — pawn b5→b6. Opponent replies a3 (pawn a4→a3).
4. Best move: b7 — pawn b6→b7. Opponent replies a2 (pawn a3→a2).
5. Best move: b8=Q — pawn b7→b8, promotes to queen. Opponent replies a1=Q (pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen).
6. Best move: Qc8+ — queen b8→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg6 (king f5→g6).
7. Best move: Qg8+ — queen c8→g8, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, promotion, very long. The key move axb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p6/p1p2kPp/P6P/5K2/8/8 b - - 2 43

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