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

Position

White: king e4; pawns a2/b3/c4/e5. Black: king e6; pawns a6/b6/c5/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxb5 — pawn c4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a2→a4. Opponent replies c4 (pawn c5→c4).
4. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move cxb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/pp2k1p1/2p1P3/2P1K3/1P6/P7/8 b - - 0 49

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