Chess Puzzle #4J862 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f4; pawns a2/b4/c3/d4/e5/g2. Black: king h5; pawns a5/c4/d5/e6/f5/h7. 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 c3 (pawn c4→c3).
3. Best move: Ke3 — king f4→e3. Opponent replies f4+ (pawn f5→f4, gives check).
4. Best move: Kd3 — king e3→d3.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/4p3/p2pPp1k/1PpP1K2/2P5/P5P1/8 b - b3 0 39

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