Chess Puzzle #Bs7al — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d3; pawns a3/b3/e4/f3/g3/h4. Black: king c5; pawns a5/b6/e5/f5/g6/g7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: exf5 — pawn e4→f5, captures pawn. Opponent replies gxf5 (pawn g6→f5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: g4 — pawn g3→g4. Opponent replies e4+ (pawn e5→e4, gives check).
4. Best move: Ke3 — king d3→e3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move exf5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/1p4p1/p1k1pp2/4P2P/PP1K1PP1/8/8 b - - 0 38

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