Chess Puzzle #7O2Jg — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c4; pawns a4/b5/e5/f4/g5/h4. Black: king d7; pawns a7/b6/c5/e6/g6/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: bxa5 — pawn b6→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxc5 (king c4→c5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kc7 — king d7→c7. Opponent replies Kd4 (king c5→d4).
4. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move bxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p2k4/1p2p1p1/1Pp1P1Pp/P1K2P1P/8/8/8 w - - 4 43

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