Chess Puzzle #GaxP1 — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2527 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move.

Position

White: king f4; pawns a2/b3/c4/g5. Black: king g6; pawns a7/b5/c5/f5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a7→a6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: a3 — pawn a2→a3. Opponent replies b4 (pawn b5→b4).
  3. Best move: axb4 — pawn a3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies cxb4 (pawn c5→b4, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: c5 — pawn c4→c5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang. The key move is a3.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/6k1/1pp2pP1/2P2K2/1P6/P7/8 b - - 0 37

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