Chess Puzzle #EzIyk — Advanced, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king c3; pawns a3/e4/f3/g4/h3. Black: king c5; pawns b5/e5/f6/g5/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd3 — king c3→d3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: b4 — pawn b5→b4. Opponent replies axb4+ (pawn a3→b4, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxb4 — king c5→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kc2 (king d3→c2).
4. Best move: Kc4 — king b4→c4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is b4.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/5p2/1pk1p1p1/4P1P1/P1K2P1P/8/8 w - - 3 45

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