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

Rating 1574 · Intermediate · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move.

Position

White: king d2; pawns e3/g3/h3. Black: king b3; pawns a6/f5/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kd3 — king d2→d3. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Opponent replies e4 (pawn e3→e4).
  3. Best move: fxe4+ — pawn f5→e4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxe4 (king d3→e4, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move. The key move fxe4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/p7/5p1p/8/1k2P1PP/3K4/8 w - - 7 45

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