Chess Puzzle #1Qr4h — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d3; pawns b3/c3/g4/h3. Black: king d5; pawns b5/e5/f6/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e4+ — pawn e5→e4, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ke3 — king d3→e3. Opponent replies Ke5 (king d5→e5).
3. Best move: c4 — pawn c3→c4. Opponent replies bxc4 (pawn b5→c4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: bxc4 — pawn b3→c4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is Ke3.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/5p2/1p1kp3/6Pp/1PPK3P/8/8 b - - 1 41

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