Chess Puzzle #CZ7xE — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e4; pawns a5/b4/c3/f3/f5/g2/h3. Black: king d6; pawns a7/b7/c5/f4/f6/g7/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b6 — pawn b7→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb6 — pawn a5→b6, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb6 (pawn a7→b6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: b5 — pawn b4→b5. Opponent replies c4 (pawn c5→c4).
4. Best move: Kd4 — king e4→d4. Opponent replies h4 (pawn h5→h4).
5. Best move: Kxc4 — king d4→c4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move axb6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/pp4p1/3k1p2/P1p2P1p/1P2Kp2/2P2P1P/6P1/8 b - - 0 31

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.