Chess Puzzle #9i9Lt — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c4; pawns a3/b4/e5/g5/h6. Black: king b6; pawns a7/c6/e6/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a7→a6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a4 — pawn a3→a4. Opponent replies c5 (pawn c6→c5).
3. Best move: bxc5+ — pawn b4→c5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb7 (king b6→b7).
4. Best move: Kb4 — king c4→b4.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/p6p/1kp1p1pP/4P1P1/1PK5/P7/8/8 b - - 0 41

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