Chess Puzzle #8U4yF — Master, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king d2; pawns a2/b2/d4/f5/h5. Black: king b5; pawns b4/c4/d5/f6/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc2 — king d2→c2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: b3+ — pawn b4→b3, gives check. Opponent replies axb3 (pawn a2→b3, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kb4 — king b5→b4. Opponent replies bxc4 (pawn b3→c4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kxc4 — king b4→c4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is b3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/5p1p/1k1p1P1P/1ppP4/8/PP1K4/8 w - - 2 44

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