Chess Puzzle #2iRRp — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2538 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame.

Position

White: king h3; pawns a4/b5/c4/e4/f3. Black: king h5; pawns b6/b7/c6/e5/f4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kg5 — king h5→g5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: bxc6 — pawn b5→c6, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxc6 (pawn b7→c6, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: c5 — pawn c4→c5. Opponent replies bxc5 (pawn b6→c5, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: Kg2 — king h3→g2.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move bxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p6/1pp5/1P2p2k/P1P1Pp2/5P1K/8/8 b - - 0 38

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