Chess Puzzle #3J62b — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king e4; rook b1; pawn d4. Black: king b5; bishop c3; pawns a5/b4/c6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d5 — pawn d4→d5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: cxd5+ — pawn c6→d5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd5 (king e4→d5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook b1→c1).
4. Best move: a3 — pawn a4→a3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, quiet move. The key move cxd5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2p5/pk6/1p1PK3/2b5/8/1R6 w - - 0 55

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