Chess Puzzle #2TdZs — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d3; pawns a3/b4/e4/g4/h3. Black: king e5; pawns a7/b7/c6/g5/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b7→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ke3 — king d3→e3. Opponent replies a6 (pawn a7→a6).
3. Best move: Kd3 — king e3→d3. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e5→d6).
4. Best move: Kd4 — king d3→d4. Opponent replies c5+ (pawn c6→c5, gives check).
5. Best move: bxc5+ — pawn b4→c5, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move bxc5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/pp6/2p4p/4k1p1/1P2P1P1/P2K3P/8/8 b - - 1 35

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