Chess Puzzle #AjRhB — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c3; pawns a4/b3. Black: king d5; pawns a5/c5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc6 — king d5→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kc4 — king c3→c4. Opponent replies Kd6 (king c6→d6).
3. Best move: Kb5 — king c4→b5. Opponent replies Kd5 (king d6→d5).
4. Best move: Kxa5 — king b5→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies c4 (pawn c5→c4).
5. Best move: bxc4+ — pawn b3→c4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc4 (king d5→c4, captures pawn).
6. Best move: Kb6 — king a5→b6.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move bxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/p1pk4/P7/1PK5/8/8 b - - 7 53

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