Chess Puzzle #1QC1a — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c3; pawns b4/g3/h4. Black: king a4; pawns a6/e3/f5/g5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: gxh4 — pawn g5→h4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: gxh4 — pawn g3→h4, captures pawn. Opponent replies e2 (pawn e3→e2).
3. Best move: Kd2 — king c3→d2. Opponent replies e1=Q+ (pawn e2→e1, promotes to queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxe1 — king d2→e1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move gxh4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/p7/5pp1/kP5P/2K1p1P1/8/8 b - - 0 49

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