Chess Puzzle #5j4fl — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c3; pawns a2/b3/e3/f4/g3/h3. Black: king b5; pawns a4/c5/e6/f5/f7/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb3 — pawn a4→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxb3 — king c3→b3, captures pawn. Opponent replies c4+ (pawn c5→c4, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc3 — king b3→c3. Opponent replies Kc5 (king b5→c5).
4. Best move: a4 — pawn a2→a4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move Kxb3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/4p3/1kp2p1p/p4P2/1PK1P1PP/P7/8 b - - 0 28

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