Chess Puzzle #2T68M — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e3; pawns a3/b4/c3/f4/g5. Black: king g4; pawns a5/b6/c5/d5/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb4 — pawn a5→b4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxb4 — pawn c3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies d4+ (pawn d5→d4, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke4 — king e3→e4. Opponent replies d3 (pawn d4→d3).
4. Best move: Kxd3 — king e4→d3, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, long, pawn endgame. The key move cxb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p4p1/p1pp2P1/1P3Pk1/P1P1K3/8/8 b - - 0 37

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