Chess Puzzle #0x4gV — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g3; bishop b4; pawns a3/d4/e3/f4/h4. Black: king a6; bishop d6; pawns b5/d5/e4/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb4 — bishop d6→b4, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb4 — pawn a3→b4, captures bishop. Opponent replies Kb7 (king a6→b7).
3. Best move: f5 — pawn f4→f5. Opponent replies gxf5 (pawn g6→f5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kf4 — king g3→f4.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move axb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/k2b2p1/1p1p3p/1B1PpP1P/P3P1K1/8/8 b - - 0 43

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