Chess Puzzle #1KSLC — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e3; pawns a5/d4/f3/g2/h3. Black: king d5; pawns a6/e4/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: f5 — pawn f7→f5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: fxe4+ — pawn f3→e4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies fxe4 (pawn f5→e4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: h4 — pawn h3→h4. Opponent replies h6 (pawn h7→h6).
4. Best move: g4 — pawn g2→g4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang. The key move fxe4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p1p/p5p1/P2k4/3Pp3/4KP1P/6P1/8 b - - 0 38

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