Chess Puzzle #DzA1w — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Rating 1443 · Intermediate · crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king d3; pawns a2/b4/c4/d5. Black: king e5; pawns a5/b6/d6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a4 — pawn a2→a4. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: axb4 — pawn a5→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kc2 (king d3→c2).
  3. Best move: Kd4 — king e5→d4. Opponent replies Kb3 (king c2→b3).
  4. Best move: Kc5 — king d4→c5.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move axb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p1p4/p2Pk3/1PP5/3K4/P7/8 w - - 0 47

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