Chess Puzzle #75E40 — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e3; pawns a5/b2/b4/f4/h4. Black: king d5; pawns a6/b5/c4/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c3 — pawn c4→c3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc3 — pawn b2→c3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kc4 (king d5→c4).
3. Best move: Kd2 — king e3→d2. Opponent replies Kb3 (king c4→b3).
4. Best move: Kd3 — king d2→d3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move bxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/p5p1/Pp1k3p/1Pp2P1P/4K3/1P6/8 b - - 0 39

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