Chess Puzzle #2Wupk — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Rating 1246 · Intermediate · crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short.

Position

White: king b4; pawns b5/e5/f4/g2/h4. Black: king b6; pawns a7/e6/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a7→a6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: bxa6 — pawn b5→a6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxa6 (king b6→a6, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Kc5 — king b4→c5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short. The key move bxa6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p4p2/1k2p1p1/1P2P2p/1K3P1P/8/6P1/8 b - - 1 50

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.