Chess Puzzle #GZIMc — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c3; pawns a2/c4/d5/f4/g3/h4. Black: king d6; pawns a5/b5/c5/f5/f6/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a2→a3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: bxc4 — pawn b5→c4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxc4 (king c3→c4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4. Opponent replies Kb5 (king c4→b5).
4. Best move: Kxd5 — king d6→d5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang. The key move bxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3k1p2/pppP1p1p/2P2P1P/2K3P1/P7/8 w - - 0 42

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