Chess Puzzle #4StmI — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 1150 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, master, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king c4; pawns b5/c5/e5/g5/h4. Black: king c7; pawns a6/b7/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: axb5+ — pawn a6→b5, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kxb5 — king c4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kd7 (king c7→d7).
  3. Best move: Kb6 — king b5→b6.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move Kxb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1pk2p2/p5p1/1PP1P1Pp/2K4P/8/8/8 b - - 0 60

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