Chess Puzzle #0HXnI — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 945 · Beginner · crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short.

Position

White: king e3; pawns a4/c3/d4/g4/h6. Black: king d5; pawns a5/c4/c6/g5/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: c5 — pawn c6→c5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: dxc5 — pawn d4→c5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxc5 (king d5→c5, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Ke4 — king e3→e4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short. The key move dxc5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/2p4P/p2k2p1/P1pP2P1/2P1K3/8/8 b - - 0 39

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.