Chess Puzzle #EhhVD — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2661 · Master · crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move.

Position

White: king d4; pawns a2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king d6; pawns a4/b5/g6/g7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kc6 — king d6→c6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kc3 — king d4→c3. Opponent replies Kc5 (king c6→c5).
  3. Best move: a3 — pawn a2→a3. Opponent replies b4+ (pawn b5→b4, gives check).
  4. Best move: axb4+ — pawn a3→b4, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move. The key move axb4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/3k2p1/1p6/p2K4/8/P4PPP/8 b - - 1 40

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