Chess Puzzle #7ZXkR — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f2; pawns a3/b2/c3/g4/h3. Black: king e6; pawns a5/c5/d5/e4/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d4 — pawn d5→d4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxd4 — pawn c3→d4, captures pawn. Opponent replies cxd4 (pawn c5→d4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: b4 — pawn b2→b4. Opponent replies axb4 (pawn a5→b4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: axb4 — pawn a3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies e3+ (pawn e4→e3, gives check).
5. Best move: Ke1 — king f2→e1.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move cxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4k3/p1pp4/4p1Pp/P1P4P/1P3K2/8 b - - 1 37

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