Chess Puzzle #ALJZO — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2522 · Master · advantage, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king e4; pawns a4/b2/c4/f4/g4. Black: king e7; pawns a5/b6/c6/f6/f7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ke6 — king e7→e6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kd4 — king e4→d4. Opponent replies c5+ (pawn c6→c5, gives check).
  3. Best move: Ke4 — king d4→e4. Opponent replies f5+ (pawn f6→f5, gives check).
  4. Best move: gxf5+ — pawn g4→f5, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move gxf5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/4kp2/1pp2p2/p7/P1P1KPP1/8/1P6/8 b - - 1 35

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.