Chess Puzzle #6fkAt — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e4; pawns a4/b3/c3/g3/h2. Black: king d6; pawns a5/c5/e6/g6/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h5 — pawn h6→h5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b4 — pawn b3→b4. Opponent replies cxb4 (pawn c5→b4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: cxb4 — pawn c3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb4 (pawn a5→b4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kd4 — king e4→d4. Opponent replies e5+ (pawn e6→e5, gives check).
5. Best move: Kc4 — king d4→c4. Opponent replies e4 (pawn e5→e4).
6. Best move: Kxb4 — king c4→b4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move is b4.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3kp1pp/p1p5/P3K3/1PP3P1/7P/8 b - - 0 35

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