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

Rating 1132 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, short.

Position

White: king e4; pawns a2/b2/g2/h2. Black: king d6; pawns b4/c4/e5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: c3 — pawn c4→c3. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: bxc3 — pawn b2→c3, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxc3 (pawn b4→c3, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Kd3 — king e4→d3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, short. The key move bxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6pp/3k4/4p3/1pp1K3/8/PP4PP/8 b - - 1 31

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