Chess Puzzle #4kJk3 — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c1; pawns d6/e4/g4. Black: king b4; pawns a3/b3/f6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a2 — pawn a3→a2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kb2 — king c1→b2. Opponent replies a1=Q+ (pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxa1 — king b2→a1, captures queen. Opponent replies Kc3 (king b4→c3).
4. Best move: Kb1 — king a1→b1.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move is Kb2.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3P1p1p/8/1k2P1P1/pp6/8/2K5 b - - 1 60

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