Chess Puzzle #BHsJ0 — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f4; pawns a3/b2/c4/d3/g4/g5. Black: king e6; pawns a5/b6/c5/d4/f6/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke7 — king e6→e7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: gxf6+ — pawn g5→f6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf6 (king e7→f6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a3→a4. Opponent replies Kf7 (king f6→f7).
4. Best move: Ke5 — king f4→e5.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang. The key move gxf6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p2kpp1/p1p3P1/2Pp1KP1/P2P4/1P6/8 b - - 0 38

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