Chess Puzzle #1KjIk — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c3; pawns a4/b4. Black: king f3; pawns a5/e6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb4+ — pawn a5→b4, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxb4 — king c3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies e5 (pawn e6→e5).
3. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Opponent replies e4 (pawn e5→e4).
4. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies e3 (pawn e4→e3).
5. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7. Opponent replies Kf2 (king f3→f2).
6. Best move: a8=Q — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, master, pawn endgame, promotion, quiet move, very long. The key move Kxb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4p3/p7/PP6/2K2k2/8/8 b - - 0 59

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