Chess Puzzle #26UMe — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king e3; pawns c3/d4/g2/h3. Black: king d7; pawns d5/f5/g5/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g3 — pawn g2→g3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Kc6 — king d7→c6. Opponent replies Kd3 (king e3→d3).
3. Best move: Kb5 — king c6→b5. Opponent replies c4+ (pawn c3→c4, gives check).
4. Best move: dxc4+ — pawn d5→c4, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move dxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/3k4/7p/3p1pp1/3P4/2P1K2P/6P1/8 w - - 2 38

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.