Chess Puzzle #8b0bu — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; pawns a3/b3/c3/d4/g3/h3. Black: king g5; pawns a7/b6/c6/d5/e4/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c5 — pawn c6→c5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: dxc5 — pawn d4→c5, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxc5 (pawn b6→c5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: c4 — pawn c3→c4. Opponent replies dxc4 (pawn d5→c4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: bxc4 — pawn b3→c4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move dxc5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1pp5/3p2kp/3Pp3/PPP1K1PP/8/8 b - - 0 45

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