Chess Puzzle #0emZl — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Rating 1312 · Intermediate · defensive move, endgame, equality, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king d3; pawns a4/b3/e4/g5/h4. Black: king d6; pawns a5/b5/c6/e5/g6/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: bxa4 — pawn b5→a4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: bxa4 — pawn b3→a4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kc5 (king d6→c5).
  3. Best move: Kc3 — king d3→c3.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move bxa4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2pk2p1/pp2p1Pp/P3P2P/1P1K4/8/8 b - - 0 43

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