Chess Puzzle #HBS2F — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d4; pawns b4/c5/e4/h4. Black: king d7; pawns a6/b5/f6/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke6 — king d7→e6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: e5 — pawn e4→e5. Opponent replies fxe5+ (pawn f6→e5, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke4 — king d4→e4. Opponent replies a5 (pawn a6→a5).
4. Best move: bxa5 — pawn b4→a5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is e5.

Position data

FEN: 8/3k4/p4pp1/1pP5/1P1KP2P/8/8/8 b - - 3 46

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