Chess Puzzle #8TEfV — Master, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king d4; pawns b5/c4/f3/f4/h4. Black: king b3; pawns a7/b6/f5/f6/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c5 — pawn c4→c5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: bxc5+ — pawn b6→c5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc5 (king d4→c5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kc3 — king b3→c3. Opponent replies Kd6 (king c5→d6).
4. Best move: Kb4 — king c3→b4. Opponent replies Ke6 (king d6→e6).
5. Best move: Kxb5 — king b4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxf5 (king e6→f5, captures pawn).
6. Best move: a5 — pawn a7→a5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move bxc5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1p3p2/1P3p1p/2PK1P1P/1k3P2/8/8 w - - 6 41

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.