Chess Puzzle #EDNcQ — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2378 · Expert · advanced pawn, crushing, en passant, endgame, pawn endgame, very long.

Position

White: king f3; pawns b4/c2/d3/g4/h3. Black: king d5; pawns c6/d4/g5/h4. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (6 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: c4+ — pawn c2→c4, gives check. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: dxc3 — pawn d4→c3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Ke3 (king f3→e3).
  3. Best move: Ke5 — king d5→e5. Opponent replies d4+ (pawn d3→d4, gives check).
  4. Best move: Kd5 — king e5→d5. Opponent replies Kd3 (king e3→d3).
  5. Best move: c2 — pawn c3→c2. Opponent replies Kxc2 (king d3→c2, captures pawn).
  6. Best move: Kc4 — king d5→c4. Opponent replies b5 (pawn b4→b5).
  7. Best move: cxb5 — pawn c6→b5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, en passant, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move dxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2p5/3k2p1/1P1p2Pp/3P1K1P/2P5/8 w - - 5 42

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