Chess Puzzle #86D7Q — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2262 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang.

Position

White: king e3; pawns a2/b2/d3. Black: king d5; pawns a4/b4/d6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: b3 — pawn b2→b3. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: axb3 — pawn a4→b3, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb3 (pawn a2→b3, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Ke5 — king d5→e5. Opponent replies d4+ (pawn d3→d4, gives check).
  4. Best move: Kf5 — king e5→f5. Opponent replies Kf3 (king e3→f3).
  5. Best move: d5 — pawn d6→d5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move axb3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3p4/3k4/pp6/3PK3/PP6/8 w - - 0 36

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.