Chess Puzzle #HdxO2 — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f1; bishop c1; pawns a2/b4/g4/h3. Black: king e4; bishop b6; pawns a3/b7/f3/f7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Be3 — bishop b6→e3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxe3 — bishop c1→e3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Kxe3 (king e4→e3, captures bishop).
3. Best move: h4 — pawn h3→h4. Opponent replies Kf4 (king e3→f4).
4. Best move: h5 — pawn h4→h5.

Tactical themes

bishop endgame, crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, quiet move. The key move Bxe3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p3p2/1b6/8/1P2k1P1/p4p1P/P7/2B2K2 b - - 2 39

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