Chess Puzzle #AEA3c — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c4; pawns b2/b4/e3/e5/f4/h3. Black: king c6; pawns a6/b7/e6/f7/g5/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b6 — pawn b7→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b5+ — pawn b4→b5, gives check. Opponent replies axb5+ (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kb4 — king c4→b4. Opponent replies gxf4 (pawn g5→f4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: exf4 — pawn e3→f4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kd5 (king c6→d5).
5. Best move: Kxb5 — king b4→b5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move is b5+.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p3p2/p1k1p2p/4P1p1/1PK2P2/4P2P/1P6/8 b - - 0 30

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